Inside our new museum and its tunnel of treasures

The man is possessed.
The building is joy incarnate.
The future is ready to be ogled ... almost.

The man here is Larry Wheeler, head honcho at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The building is the museum's expansion space. The future arrives for everyone in April, but we got a sneak peek this week.

The epic encounter starts at lunch, with Wheeler describing the creation of a new kind of museum – a social hub that includes great works of art, and embraces recreation, entertainment, food – LIFE. His explanation reminds us of the new Beatles Rock Star. Everyone knows the Beatles. Rock Star lets you discover the Fab Four anew ... and leaves you hooked.

Soon, mere talk isn't cutting it. Wheeler – a bespectacled hurricane of a human being – sweeps us out of the existing museum and into the still-under-construction new building.

To sum up the experience: joy.

Sunlight soaks the 127,000-square foot building – a far cry from the dim, solemn feel of many museums. Light spills in from the window walls – the better to admire the gardens and pools outside. Light spills in from portals in the high ceiling – the better to illuminate art you've never seen before but aren't likely to forget.

Next Wheeler marches us through a tunnel where precious works lurk behind every locked door. He introduces us to three luminous sculptures from Jaume Plensa. Don't sweat it guys -- soon you'll be out of storage and perched near the expansion's entrance, high above admirers' heads.

Then we're done, and Wheeler is off to plan the roll out of these treasures to the city, the state, the world. How to showcase this place? How to get people here from all corners? The expansion isn't just about priceless art in a spectacular setting – although that is plenty exciting. It's a huge step in the realization of our potential.

New convention center. Check.

New airport terminal. Check.

New art museum. Check.

Now, get ready for business. Lots of it. And lots of whirlwind lunches for Wheeler.