Background

• Transformed the historic institution while preserving its rich legacy.

• Originally the private library of financier and collector J.P. Morgan, it became a public institution in 1924

• Renowned for its collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artworks.

• Initial Design and Growth: The original complex, designed by Charles Follen McKim (of McKim, Mead & White) in 1906, consisted of a grand Renaissance-inspired library and study. Over time, the collection grew, leading to previous expansions in the 1920s and 1980s.

• Expansion Need: By the late 1990s, the museum needed additional gallery space, modern visitor amenities, and improved circulation between its multiple buildings.

• Renzo Piano’s 2006 Expansion: The project aimed to integrate the three existing buildings (the McKim Library, the Annex, and the 1928 brownstone) with a new steel-and-glass pavilion, creating a seamless blend of old and new. Key features included:

  • A central glass-enclosed atrium as a unifying element.

  • Expanded exhibition spaces and a new performance hall.

  • A state-of-the-art conservation studio.

  • Improved accessibility and visitor amenities.

• Impact & Reception: The expansion was widely praised for its sensitivity to the historic structures while introducing modern interventions that enhanced the museum’s function. Piano’s light-filled design improved circulation and provided new ways to engage with the collection.