The new expansion of the American Museum of Natural History by Studio Gang is set to begin construction soon, according to reports by New York YIMBY. After plans for the project were approved by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission last fall, permits have been filed with the Department of Buildings. The expansion will carry the name “Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation,” and it will comprise a total area of 245,000 square feet, distributed over 6 floors.
Courtesy of AMNH/D. Finnin
About 80% of the area of the new expansion will be contained within the museum’s standing footprint. New exhibition halls and educational spaces will replace parts of three existing wings which along with an additional gross area of 203,000 square feet will constitute the new expansion.
Courtesy of AMNH/D. Finnin
“We uncovered a way to vastly improve visitor circulation and Museum functionality while tapping into the desire for exploration and discovery that is emblematic of science and also part of being human,” revealed Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang, on the unveiling of the design in 2015. “Upon entering the space, natural daylight from above and sightlines to various activities inside invite movement through the Central Exhibition Hall on a journey towards deeper understanding. The architectural design grew out of the Museum’s mission.”
Courtesy of AMNH/D. Finnin
The expansion construction will cost $340 million and it is expected to begin before the end of 2017 and be finished by 2020.
