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The Morris Museum has embarked upon a $15 million capital campaign that includes a major expansion and renovation project that promises to deliver an exciting, brand new visitor experience!
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| The new Guinness exhibition features a section devoted to the history of "Entertainment on Demand." |
The museum teamed up with RMJM Hillier in Princeton, NJ and Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership in Manhattan after acquiring the internationally-recognized Guinness collection in late 2003.
The 700 rare instruments and automata date from the late 16th to early 20th centuries.
With the expansion and renovation of its facilities, the Morris Museum will soon showcase this world-renowned collection and also give visitors the chance to explore the wonders of science, art and history in a brand new way!
In recognition of what will become the Morris Museum’s most significant, single collection, the museum has built a new wing to house its prestigious, Murtogh D. Guinness collection of mechanical musical instruments and automata. The dramatic new 4,300 sq. ft. space includes the Musical Machines & Living Dolls exhibition on the Main Level (opening November 6, 2007) and Guinness Viewable Storage and Resource Center on the Lower Level (opening early 2008).
The exhibition's Interactive Educational Workshop Center will provide a unique opportunity for students and adults to explore how mechanical musical instruments and automata reflect the technology, society and culture of their times through one of the world's premier collections of these remarkable objects.
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| The framework for the Guinness exhibition space began in November. |
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| In June, the courtyard outside the museum & Bickford Theatre entrance was removed and the foundation was poured for the new Entrance Pavilion. |
Visitors will enter a new stunning two-story Entrance Pavilion that
will welcome them to both the museum and the Bickford Theatre. The new entrance to the museum with its historic brick wall and the entrance to the theatre with its contemporary glass wall features a new Museum Shop and is sure to delight our visitors.
Once inside the museum, visitors will enter a new two-story Museum Court that will orient them to the museum’s galleries and exhibitions. A skylight brings natural light into the core of the museum. The Court also links the new Musical Machines & Living Dolls exhibition to both the museum’s existing and newly designed gallery spaces on two levels.
Renovation and upgrades are complete for the museum's 1913 historic, Neo-Georgian style Twin Oaks mansion, designed by the famed architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. Reflecting an important era of New Jersey's architectural and social history, our largest and most visible artifact became home to the Morris Museum in 1964.
Revitalization of our popular, permanent exhibits will emphasize interactive, fun-filled experiences for 3-12 year olds. The new Family Discovery Place will include an American Indian Gallery, Dinosaur Den and Model Railroad exhibition.
A centerpiece of the museum’s plans is the creation of newly renovated facilities to accommodate the full range of museum teaching programs. The space will house the Natural History of New Jersey exhibition, as well as a classroom/EnviroLab.
Click here to learn more about how you can assist the Morris Museum in achieving its vision.
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