HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) has unveiled a $55 million plan to revitalize the State Museum of Pennsylvania’s iconic mid-century modern complex, marking the most comprehensive upgrade to the facility since its opening in 1964.
Slated to begin in the spring of 2026, the three-year project will modernize the museum to better serve 21st-century visitors while ensuring the long-term preservation of its collections. “This project is more than a renovation—it’s an invitation to Pennsylvanians to explore their home state,” said Andrea Lowery, PHMC Executive Director. “We are creating a vibrant space for telling Pennsylvania’s rich and significant history, making improvements to meet the expectations of today’s visitors and adding new dynamic experiences.”
Key upgrades include a redesigned entrance with a media experience and introductory exhibits, a new fifth-floor event space and roof terrace offering views of the State Capitol and Susquehanna River, and enhanced visitor amenities such as improved museum stores and new elevators. The accompanying PHMC Tower will feature a 16th-floor observation level and state-of-the-art collections storage facilities to improve stewardship of sensitive artifacts.
The museum will remain open through August 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It will close from August 2026 until early 2029 for renovations. Following its reopening, new exhibits and interactive experiences will highlight Pennsylvania’s diverse history and cultural heritage.
The project was designed by VITETTA and annum of Boston, MA. PHMC noted that following completion, further exhibition redesigns will occur over an eight-year period to fully reimagine nearly half of the museum’s galleries.
This ambitious effort follows the debut of a state-of-the-art Pennsylvania State Archives building in 2023, underscoring PHMC’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Commonwealth’s history.
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