Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - Boston, USA
What attracts people to visit?
Space Archive Project no.14 Mar 22. 2023
What kind of secrets are behind the space where we want to visit again?
The answers can be found in the mesmerizing museum located in Boston. It is called the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It was first opened to the public in 1903, and about 200,000 people visit the museum every year. From the visitor experience perspective, two key values continually attract people, ‘Originality’ and ‘Diversity’. Through this article, I want to talk about these two values in detail.
1. Originality
The first value, originality can be found throughout the whole space, especially in the historical building. Isabella Stewart Gardner(1840–1924) the founder of the museum, carefully selected all the artworks, furniture, and decorative items shown in each room. She directed the overall architecture as well. Every part of the museum has her touch, and it remains in the same spot even after she passed away.
Another distinctive value of this museum comes from the courtyard at the center of the building. It shows how deeply she loves plants. The atmosphere created by trees and flowers harmonizes with the Venetian-style architectural pieces. People enjoy nature’s artwork by seeing it closely, taking photos, or even sitting down and sketching it.
2. Diversity
The second value is the diversity of experience. It makes visitors’ time more valuable. Beyond sight, they evoke all other senses by another experience opportunity. Due to their various contents, they enhance the overall spatial experience and stand out as one of a kind. Below are some examples.
< Art & Architecture >
As a museum, their primary theme is art. People visit to see their remarkable art collections. It is hard to believe all of their collection are gathered under one person’s passion. The wide range of art illuminates the space and creates an extraordinary vibe by juxtaposing artworks from different parts of the world.
Also, it is interesting to see the harmonization of historical and modern architecture. The historical building is called the ‘Palace’, and it contains all the artworks that Isabella collected. The contemporary building was added in 2012, designed by Pritzker Prize architect Renzo Piano. Even though the architectural styles are different, both contain a theme of greeneries which elevates liveness and freshness.
<Music & Performance>
Isabella Museum exists not only for visual art but also for music and performance. Since the beginning, Isabella organized concerts and lectures to create a museum as a cultural hub. Until now, her philosophy continues. At Calderwood Hall, they regularly arrange music performances, and even you can listen to those songs freely online.
<Relax & Taste>
On the first floor of the new building, there is a restaurant called Cafe G. Before or after viewing the exhibition, this place is nice to expand the experience. They offer food under the philosophy of utilizing seasonal and local ingredients. And both indoor and outdoor spaces are ready. Especially, outdoors, guests can even enjoy the view of the historical building.
Right next to the restaurant, there is a place to have relax with several books. Natural sunlights coming through 3 sides of window creates clam and warm atmosphere to focus on reading. Various sitting types are ready, therefore people can chose whatever they feel comfortable to take a rest.