frank gehry masterplans the philadelphia museum of art

frank gehry masterplans the philadelphia museum of art
rendering © gehry partners, LLP
all images courtesy of the philadelphia museum of art

frank gehry has presented plans for the comprehensive remodeling of the philadelphia museum of art in pennsylvania. displayed as part of an exhibition entitled ‘making a classic modern’, the project reorganizes the interior of the historic building, incorporating over 15,000 square meters of additional gallery space to house more of the institution’s prestigious collection.

lenfest hall is remodeled to provide better public access points 
rendering © gehry partners, LLP

at the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to engage with historic photographs, large-scale models and hardline drawings, that both explain gehry’s approach and enable guests to explore the history of the structure and its surroundings. rather than the sculptural forms often prevalent in gehry’s work, the plan focuses more on reestablishing the museum’s existing architecture, ensuring that the building is both welcoming and navigable.

underground galleries are lit in part by a skylight in the east terrace
rendering © gehry partners, LLP

the plan reconfigures existing circulation routes, with the renovation of the two principle public access points: lenfest hall and the great stair hall. a public forum is created immediately below the great stair hall in the center of the U-shaped building, opening up the building’s east-west axis. below the east terrace large galleries provide room for special exhibitions, with vaulted ceilings supported on slender columns.

the vaulted underground walkway will reopen for art and events
rendering © gehry partners, LLP

after being closed for decades, the museum’s arched northern entrance will reopen to the public providing access to a grand corridor that runs 640 feet from the north to the south side of the building. additional changes include a 10,000 square foot learning center, a 299-seat auditorium and the development of visitor amenities such as dining facilities and the museum store.

the museum’s east terrace with new stair enclosures clad in the same sandstone as the original structure
rendering © gehry partners, LLP

externally, minimal modifications have been proposed with local studio OLIN responsible for the project’s landscaping. the plaza in front of the west entrance has been redesigned with a substantial percentage of the area used for parking. the combination of skylights and sunken terraces integrated within the east terrace bring natural light below ground, while stair enclosures are clad in the same sandstone as used on the original structure.

externally, minimal changes have been proposed to the institution’s west terrace
rendering © gehry partners, LLP

‘we began by studying the character of this wonderful building – its DNA. it is rare to have the bones of the existing building show you the way to expand it. from there, we used the significant assets that the original architects gave us to create a strong entry sequence and circulation pattern that connects the new galleries to the existing building in a way that makes the new galleries seem like they have always been there. my goal is to make the building feel like one coherent design statement’, explained frank gehry.

site plan detailing the project’s landscaping
image © OLIN

constance H. williams, chair of the board of trustees of the philadelphia museum of art, stated: ‘the board of trustees is delighted to share this master plan with the public. this vision representing our future is closely aligned with our strategic objectives to ensure that the museum continues to serve our community and visitors from around the world.‘

a cross-section view showing the changes to the existing interior spaces and the new underground galleries
rendering © gehry partners, LLP

timothy rub, the george D. widener director and chief executive officer of the philadelphia museum of art, continued: ‘gehry’s carefully detailed design is the embodiment of creative stewardship. the approach that frank and his staff took to solving this challenging program reflects a deep sympathy for one of philadelphia’s most widely admired landmarks. the design was also informed by a sophisticated understanding of how this facility needs to be changed. it is an inspiring blueprint for the future of the philadelphia museum of art. all of this will be accomplished in a way that honors and preserves the fabric of the iconic building and will hardly be evident on the exterior.‘