The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg stands as an embodiment of John Ruskin’s Lamp of Memory, which emphasizes architecture’s role in preserving and honoring the past. Originally established in 1905, the museum has long served as the Commonwealth’s official repository for its rich cultural and natural history.
The building is the official museum of the commonwealth of PA and the Genesis of this project was to create a main entry and new ground floor children’s museum.
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SITE
300 North St, Harrisburg, PA
DATES
2000 - Design Completion
2005 - Construction Completion
ARCHITECTURE
Dan Chong, Lead Designer (VITTETA)
PA Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC), Client
DESCRIPTION
One of the primary challenges addressed in the renovation was the museum’s original round building design, which made the main entrance difficult to locate. Dan Chong’s solution involved marking the entry with tall banners that both guide visitors and contrast with the building’s historic architecture. This intervention not only improved functionality but also honored the museum’s legacy by enhancing its connection to the community. A more contemporary design, the banners and mapping needed to be in contrast to the historic architecture of the historically significant PA State museum which is listed on the state’s historic registry. The renovation also included the development of a new ground-floor children’s museum, further expanding the institution’s educational outreach and commitment to engaging future generations with Pennsylvania’s history.
