Peabody Essex Museum Hires Ennead Architects to Oversee Expansion

The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem, Massachusetts, has chosen Ennead Architects to design its 175,000-square-foot expansion. The firm picks up where London-based Rick Mather Architects left offcompleting master planning and renovation of the museums Dodge wingfollowing principal Rick Mathers death earlier this year.

PEM selected Ennead from a group of architecture practices that were invited to participate in a design charrette this summer. "Ennead Architects impressed us with their creative dexterity, in-depth understanding of our institution, and thoughtful design solutions for the museum's complex architectural program, Dan Monroe, PEM's director and CEO, said in a statement.

"PEM's expansion presents an exciting design challenge and an opportunity to reimagine one of the oldest and fastest growing museums in the country," added Ennead design partner Richard Olcott. "We are committed to creating a design that functionally integrates the museum's existing campus with a bold new vision that enhances the museum both aesthetically and experientially."

The museums $200 million expansion will add new galleries, public program and education spaces, and a restaurant, as well as improvements to the collection, conservation, and exhibition processing areas. Groundbreaking will start in 2015, and the new wing will open in 2019.

See more here:
Peabody Essex Museum Hires Ennead Architects to Oversee Expansion