Ennead Architects has broken ground on the construction of an addition to the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem, Massachusetts, the country?s oldest continuously operating museum (since 1799).

Street Plaza View. Image Courtesy of Ennead Architects

Ennead Architects has broken ground on the construction of an addition to the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem, Massachusetts, the country?s oldest continuously operating museum (since 1799).The expansion project includes a new 40,000 square foot wing and 17,500 square feet of renovation to adjacent structures. Upon completion, total gallery space will be increased by 15% for a total of 100,000 square feet, making the Peabody Essex into one of the top 20 art museums in the country.
Entrance. Image Courtesy of Ennead Architects

"Designed to clarify and strengthen the Museum?s current programming, the new wing will enhance the older sections of the museum while providing new gallery spaces dedicated to the presentation of the museum?s extensive collection, creating a new, unified sequence throughout," says lead designer and Ennead partner Richard Olcott.

South Atrium. Image Courtesy of Ennead Architects

The new wing will be located on the northwest corner of the museum complex, linking the East India Marine Hall to the east, the Asian Export Art Wing to the south, and a new 5,000 SF garden to the west. Beh...