Renovation and expansion of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Boston’s original Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum opened in 1903 at Fenway Court, a Venetian-style palazzo built by the patroness Isabella Stewart Gardner to showcase her substantial collection of over 2,500 works of fine and decorative art, including tapestries, furniture, manuscripts and textiles, from Europe, Asia, the Islamic world and America. Faced with an important increase in visitors and a desire to expand and develop the events and activities, RPBW was commissioned to lead the design of the renovation and expansion of the museum.
Boston’s original Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, established in 1903 at Fenway Court, is housed in a Venetian-style palazzo built by its founder Isabella Stewart Gardner. The museum was designed to display her expansive collection of over 2,500 works of art, including tapestries, furniture, manuscripts, and textiles from Europe, Asia, the Islamic world, and America.
As the number of visitors grew from 2,000 to 200,000 annually, along with increasing special events, the original rooms and exhibits began to lose their intended atmosphere. To address this, the Museum initiated an Extension and Preservation Project, creating additional space to restore the palazzo’s rooms and return them to their former glory.
The new extension of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum gracefully sits in the museum gardens, carefully separated from the original building and linked by a transparent glass corridor. This four-storey structure, clad in glass and oxidized copper panels, features a restrained roofline that complements its natural surroundings. The extension comprises four distinct volumes connected by glazed circulation spaces, including a grand central staircase, with each volume serving a unique purpose, such as the 296-seat auditorium and an adaptable special exhibition gallery.
The 2,000 sq ft special exhibition gallery includes an annex for light-sensitive objects, with its north-facing glass wall and skylight providing precise control over natural light levels. The space is further enhanced by a movable translucent ceiling, offering flexibility for different exhibition needs. The remaining smaller volumes house administrative areas, conservation labs, and support spaces for the performance hall, all thoughtfully designed to contribute to the museum's overall functionality and experience.
Providing a new and welcoming experience for the museum
an airy greenhouse that offers views through the surrounding trees. This level accommodates classrooms, a café, and orientation areas, providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Access to the museum is through a new entrance atrium on Evans Way, with greenhouses lining the street front to support the museum's horticultural program. Above, artist-in-residence apartments are nestled beneath a sloping glazed roof, facing the park. The building ensures LEED certification by utilizing a geothermal well system, daylight harvesting, water-efficient landscaping, and local materials.
Details on Foundation website
Project Details
Status
Client
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Design
Renzo Piano Building Workshop in collaboration with Stantec - Burt Hill (Boston), architects
Design Team
E.Baglietto (partner in charge) with M.Aloisini, I.Ceccherini V.Grassi, S.Ishida (partner), Y.Kim, M.Liepmann, M.Neri, K. Schorn, T.Stewart, O.Teke and E.Moore; G.Langasco (CAD Operator); F.Cappellini, A.Marazzi, F.Terranova (models)
Consultants
Buro Happold (structure and services); Front (façade consultant); Arup (lighting); Nagata Acoustics (acoustics); Stuart-Lynn Company (cost consultant); Paratus Group (project manager) CBT/Childs Bertman Tseckares (consulting architect for Schematic & Design Development)
Environmental Certifications
LEED Gold certification (2012)
Environmental certifications
2012 LEED Gold certification
