In Spring 2024, the Yale Peabody Museum reopened its doors to welcome visitors with a new addition and extensive renovations of the entire building inclusive of galleries, research facilities, collections storage, and administrative areas. Comprising twenty-three galleries and more than 170,000 square feet, the renovation is the largest undertaking in the Museum’s history.
The new design is integral to the Museum’s DNA, its academic research, and its exhibition mission to display research and findings, engaging its scholars, researchers, students, and community.
Since the Museum’s reopening attendance has skyrocketed, yet the building never feels crowded. The Museum feels brighter and is more accessible and widely welcoming. Public spaces are strategically located throughout the building to provide better operations. Galleries have been designed to provide gathering space for class groups around iconic objects with multiple vantage points as never seen before. In addition to expansive circulation, there are also smaller rest areas for reflection throughout the Museum. Classrooms and research labs are located amongst the galleries, strengthening the connectivity between programs, exhibitions, and visitors.
Attendees will be inspired to see how a heritage museum could be reimagined into a more inclusive, modern institution that places its unique identity at the forefront.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how to articulate an institution’s DNA and use it to guide its future identity and experiential relevance.
- Examine the complex collaboration required between Institution, Architect, and Exhibit Designer
- Plan future-proofing for exhibits and programs by planning design for flexibility
- Identify challenges of renovating a Heritage Museum to meet modern day sustainability requirements.
- Apply strategies in planning that optimize operations, improve visitor circulation, and increase and diversify attendance.
AIA Continuing Education Course Number, BMS2025-44
