Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – Renovation & Expansion

Scroll
Location
Boston, MA
Project Type
Addition
Duration
26 Months
Square Footage
6,000 sf – New Hall
71,000 sf – Addition
Partners
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Burt Hill/Stantec

The landmark renovation and expansion of the 1903 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum revitalized and protected this world-renowned institution. New spaces for visual and performing arts were seamlessly integrated, while visitor amenities like the café and gift shop were relocated to preserve the museum’s intimate, in-home collection atmosphere. The Calderwood Performance Hall, a 6,000-square-foot music venue, replaced the Tapestry Room as the museum’s performance space. Designed with a unique box-within-a-box construction, the hall features three levels of balconies encircling 300 seats. Renowned acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota oversaw the state-of-the-art acoustics, incorporating oak-paneled walls and Alaskan yellow cedar floors to optimize sound quality. Additionally, the hall’s nine-paneled, pyramid-shaped lay light and fabric curtain system allow for adjustable acoustics, creating an unparalleled auditory experience.

Recognition

  • Boston Society of Architects Harleston Parker Medal Winner
  • Boston Preservation Alliance Award for the Integration of Preservation & New Construction
Exterior of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with large artwork on the walls
Vertical auditorium surrounding piano in center of room at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Exterior of first and second floor of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with art visible in windows
Glass hallway at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Glass stairwell at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Seating area with bookshelves at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Open room with large art pieces and windows at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 of 7
Exterior of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with large artwork on the walls
Vertical auditorium surrounding piano in center of room at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Exterior of first and second floor of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with art visible in windows
Glass hallway at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Glass stairwell at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Seating area with bookshelves at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Open room with large art pieces and windows at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum