Frances M. Maguire Art Museum - St. Joseph's University

Location

Merion, PA

Status

Completed 2023

Size

19,900 SF

Program

Art galleries, conservation labs, teaching space, conference room

DIGSAU completed an extensive exterior restoration and complete interior transformation of the former Barnes Foundation into the Frances M. Maguire Art Museum for St. Joseph’s University. Albert Barnes’ iconic salon galleries maintain the familiar scale and proportion, but have been reinterpreted as brighter, more adaptable exhibit and teaching space. To meet contemporary museum standards and enhance its sustainability, the building’s systems, lighting, technology and acoustics were comprehensively upgraded. Central to St. Joseph’s focus on accessibility, a series of strategic interventions now provide full access to the building’s entrance and galleries, ushering in a new era of openness and inclusivity.

To make the Museum more exploratory, a series of rubbed bronze passageways now connect gallery spaces in new ways.

Smaller galleries were combined and their distinct ceiling forms were stitched together.

As part of a comprehensive approach to modernizing the museum, a custom art door that allows large pieces into the building was fabricated within an existing window opening in the main atrium.

A room dedicated to the architectural process of the original Cret-designed building maintains the aesthetic of the former Barnes museum, with updated lighting to illuminate the volume of the space.

A significant exterior restoration included replacement of deteriorated elements with Pouillenay Rose limestone sourced from the original French quarry.

Recognition:

2024 AIA Pennsylvania Silver Medal

2024 Merion Township Historic Preservation Award

2024 Philadelphia Preservation Alliance Grand Jury Award Winner

2024 Tristates Merit Award, Historic Preservation

2023 AIA Philadelphia Merit Award

Projects