‘For future generations’: State Museum of Pennsylvania set for largest renovation in its history
The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg will close Sunday evening for a nearly three-year renovation, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) said. The project is the largest and most comprehensive upgrade in the museum’s 62-year history.
Nearly $80 million renovation planned
“We want to make sure that we keep things pristine and ready, not only for the folks today, but for future generations,” said Jay Losiewicz, PHMC communications director.
PHMC says the $79.73 million renovation has been 15 years in the making. Losiewicz said the work will include extensive repairs and infrastructure upgrades, along with a new lobby experience, widened escalators, larger elevators and more inclusive bathrooms.
“We’re going to be doing extensive repair, extensive upgrades to the infrastructure here in the building,” said Losiewicz. “We’ll have a brand new experience here behind me, which is in the lobby. You’ll come in and there will be an opportunity to learn about Pennsylvania, the history of Pennsylvania as a free exhibit.”
New event space and artifact storage
The museum will also add a fifth-floor event space for weddings or conferences. Lauren Stark, PHMC director of strategic initiatives said the old Pennsylvania State Archive Building will be converted into climate-controlled artifact storage and a 16th-floor space with views of Harrisburg.
“We will also be creating a fifth floor event space, opening up our fifth floor, which previously has just been available to staff, creating an event space, whether that’s for weddings or conferences,” said Stark.
Museum expected to reopen in 2029
The museum, which has displayed more than 250 years of Pennsylvania history since 1964, is expected to reopen in early 2029. PHMC said it will offer virtual tours and in-person events outside of the museum while the building is closed.
“Pennsylvania has been at the center of it all for so many years, from the founding of our country to Gettysburg, and to the contributions that Pennsylvanians continue to make to America today,” said Stark.
For more information on membership benefits, options to see PA history and details about the renovation, click here.
This content is imported from infogram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.