Penn State University’s Art Museum Reopens in New $85M Building: Blending Art with Nature
The Palmer Museum of Art at Pennsylvania State University reopens on 1 June after a three-year, $85 million project to expand its space to 73,000 sq. ft. Designed by Allied Works, the new Palmer features 20 galleries, education and event spaces, a museum store, and café. The landscape design by Reed Hilderbrand integrates art with nature, using local sandstone and large windows to frame the surrounding landscape. Inside, a site-specific work by glass artist Dale Chihuly draws inspiration from the arboretum’s flowers.
The museum’s director envisions a seamless connection between the architecture and the outside landscape, allowing visitors to experience art, architecture, and nature in a harmonious way. The new Palmer also includes a hybrid gallery and classroom space for Penn State faculty to incorporate art into their curriculum.
The inaugural exhibition features a selection of the museum’s permanent collection, curated in partnership with the university’s medical school. Additionally, the main exhibition showcases works by artists with ties to Pennsylvania, such as Mary Cassatt, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and more.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.