Aerial view from Google Maps
The Isabella Steward Gardener Museum has just undergone an extensive renovation and has a new addition. Architect, Renzo Piano, created a glass box within which sits a living room/reception space/library area, artists’ studio, a gift shop, offices, a performance space, a contemporary art gallery space, and a greenhouse; it is connected to the historic house/museum via a glass-enclosed corridor. I visited one recent very cold January day. The bright and open design of the addition stands in stark contrast to the dark and enclosed spaces of the original Gardener. The new gallery spaces are sparse in comparison to the
original museum which continues to be filled with layer upon layer of art and artifact. Yet, my favorite space continues to be the courtyard. The new building entrance loses out on the drama of the old entry which opened onto the incredible courtyard. And what a space! Palms, orchids, moss and other plants are set aside gravel paths, fountains, statuary and urns- literally an oasis in the center of Boston. Sadly, visitors can no longer walk those luscious paths but can only take in the view from its edges.
http://www.gardnermuseum.org/explore
original museum which continues to be filled with layer upon layer of art and artifact. Yet, my favorite space continues to be the courtyard. The new building entrance loses out on the drama of the old entry which opened onto the incredible courtyard. And what a space! Palms, orchids, moss and other plants are set aside gravel paths, fountains, statuary and urns- literally an oasis in the center of Boston. Sadly, visitors can no longer walk those luscious paths but can only take in the view from its edges.
http://www.gardnermuseum.org/explore
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