After nearly a yearlong hiatus, the Spencer Museum of Art’s 20/21 Gallery will reopen to the public this evening.

The fourth-floor space, which houses 20th and 21st century art, has been reinvented – structurally and conceptually.

Dividing walls were removed in the 3,000-square-foot gallery to create one large room. The drop ceiling also came out, exposing concrete structure and ductwork, and adding about 3 feet of display space.

Three of the four gallery walls now are home to a wealth of 20th and 21st century paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics, jewelry, items from the recently acquired ethnographic collections and more, says Emily Stamey, co-curator for the 20/21 project.

The fourth wall is reserved for “conversations” – mini-exhibitions that address a single theme. The first topic is language.

The changes – which cost about $100,000, generated through fundraising – constitute the first phase of what’s expected to be a three-phase project. Future additions will include technology, display structures and more artwork.

The opening, which starts about 7:30 p.m., coincides with the annual Friends of the Museum meeting. The museum, 1301 Miss., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.