Philadelphia Museum of Art to Get a Makeover

The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s renovations include burrowing into the hillside

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has been trying for sometime to entice more younger visitors.  Although the steps draw scores of youth  to mimic the iconic Rocky run, getting them up the steps and through the doors has been a challenge.  Their solution is a renovation to make the museum appear more sleek and majestic.

Initially the museum proposed the idea to expand back in 05′.  However, it hasn’t been until recently that the actual plan has finally been put into motion.  World renowned architect  Frank Gehry has unveiled his plans to expand the museum, which includes burrowing into the adjoining hillside.  Some of the striking improvements include street level entrances, gardens and parks replacing parking lot, as well as plans to let more natural light inside the building.  In total the renovation is estimated to cost about $350 million.

Although, no official start date has been announced Gehry is aiming for a 2028 completion date which will coincide with museums centennial celebration.  In the meantime the museum plans to put the renderings and 3D models on display as part of an exhibit that will open July 1st entitled, “Making a Classic Modern: Frank Gehry’s Master Plan for the Philadelphia Museum of Art.”

With these enormous changes it will be interesting to see just how much the museum’s patron demographics will change.   Will these changes influence your decision to visit the museum more often?