Peabody Essex Museum

The objectives of this major expansion and re-organisation were to create an architecturally dramatic addition emblematic of the institution’s new identity as a centre of art and culture; to unify a disparate group of buildings and join them with newly doubled gallery space; and to present the museum to visitors as a coherent, welcoming whole. To that end, a curved, glazed arcade aligned over the existing Liberty Street forms the spine of the new wing and, with a courtyard, weaves together the old and new buildings. A series of two-level, house-like galleries, scaled to echo Salem’s historic residential fabric, is strung along the east side of the arcade; these structures are spaced to allow natural light into both the lower and upper floors. The distinct silhouette of each roofline indicates a unique interior space. The museum houses a large collection of the art from around the world. This is combined with a stellar collection of maritime objects. Additionally the campus features numerous parks, period gardens and over 20 historic properties. The Yin Yu Tang house, which is part of the main museum, is a 200 year old Chinese house that is the only example of Chinese domestic architecture on display in the United States. Armory Square occupies the former site of the Second Corps Cadet Armory building and is named in its honor. The Public Garden corridor occupies what was once the site of a parking lot and derelict building. Architectural Cost: US $54 million Size: 9,383.2 sq m (101,000 sq ft)