Hillier Architecture selected for renovation and expansion of James A. Michener Museum
Hillier Architecture announces that the firm has been selected for the renovation and expansion of the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pa., a cultural institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the art and cultural heritage of the Bucks County region. The expansion initiative is aimed at increasing gallery space and raising the institution’s regional prominence.
The project builds upon the museum’s existing 33,000-square-foot facility – a historic landmark that began as the Bucks County Jail in 1884 – and involves the creation of a 10,000-square-foot, two-level gallery wing, a new 4,000-square-foot glass-enclosed event pavilion, and renovation of a current multipurpose space into a complete education complex.
Barbara A. Hillier, AIA is Design Principal for the project.
The first phase of the Museum’s expansion and renovation program will build a new wing to include a 5,000-square-foot upper-level gallery that is large enough—and flexible enough – to accommodate major nationally touring exhibitions and the permanent collection. The lower level will expand the Museum’s curatorial and administrative capabilities. The project will also expand the art storage, preparation and handling facility, and will install new climate control systems for the entire museum. The second phase of the project calls for the construction of an event pavilion. The patio area of the Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden will be covered with glass, creating a premier indoor event space able to host large public programs and private events. The second phase also includes the renovation of the Ann and Herman Silverman Pavilion into an education complex with two classrooms, an orientation area, a larger museum shop and café, and a larger children’s gallery.
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