The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield is set to embark on a significant transformation this fall, focusing on an extensive renovation of its aquarium and main floor galleries. This project marks the culmination of a multi-year effort to redefine the museum as a multidisciplinary institution that integrates art, science, and history.
The renovation, scheduled to commence in October, aims to revamp the museum’s aquarium and main floor, according to Executive Director Kimberley Bush Tomio. “Through these enhancements, we aim to create a dynamic cultural hub that celebrates our past and inspires future generations,” Tomio stated. The project will relocate the aquarium to the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with updated gallery spaces that showcase the museum’s diverse collections.
The first-floor galleries will also undergo a reconfiguration to highlight the connection between the human and natural worlds. For instance, the museum’s extensive taxidermy collection will be featured in an exhibit titled “Immersed in Nature,” which will combine dioramas and projected landscapes with paintings, sculptures, and other cultural artifacts.
The museum’s board of trustees approved the renovation plans in April, following a controversial decision in 2017 to sell over 40 artworks, including two beloved Norman Rockwell paintings. Despite facing widespread criticism and legal challenges, including opposition from Rockwell’s heirs, the museum sold 22 artworks in 2018, raising $53 million to bolster its endowment and fund the renovations.
Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori from the Los Angeles-based firm StudioHAU has been commissioned to design the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early 2026. Museum spokesperson Cody Baffuto mentioned that the aquarium and galleries would close “on a rolling basis” to facilitate construction. While the museum has not disclosed the project’s budget, Baffuto indicated that more information on the cost would be available soon.
Tomio described the renovation as a “major initiative” that will strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Pittsfield and the Berkshires. The project is seen as a pivotal step in the museum’s evolution, aiming to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s decision to sell part of its collection to fund the renovations was met with significant backlash. Critics argued that the sale of artworks, especially those by Norman Rockwell, undermined the museum’s mission and violated ethical guidelines. However, the museum maintained that the sale was necessary to ensure its financial stability and to support its new direction.
The renovation plans include moving the aquarium to a more prominent location on the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with the museum’s other exhibits. This move is expected to create a more cohesive visitor experience, blending the museum’s art, science, and history collections in a way that highlights their interconnectedness.
The reimagined galleries will feature a variety of exhibits that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The “Immersed in Nature” exhibit, for example, will combine taxidermy specimens with dioramas and projected landscapes, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Other exhibits will showcase the museum’s extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s history and heritage.
The museum’s board of trustees approved the renovation plans in April, following a controversial decision in 2017 to sell over 40 artworks, including two beloved Norman Rockwell paintings. Despite facing widespread criticism and legal challenges, including opposition from Rockwell’s heirs, the museum sold 22 artworks in 2018, raising $53 million to bolster its endowment and fund the renovations.
Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori from the Los Angeles-based firm StudioHAU has been commissioned to design the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early 2026. Museum spokesperson Cody Baffuto mentioned that the aquarium and galleries would close “on a rolling basis” to facilitate construction. While the museum has not disclosed the project’s budget, Baffuto indicated that more information on the cost would be available soon.
Tomio described the renovation as a “major initiative” that will strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Pittsfield and the Berkshires. The project is seen as a pivotal step in the museum’s evolution, aiming to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s decision to sell part of its collection to fund the renovations was met with significant backlash. Critics argued that the sale of artworks, especially those by Norman Rockwell, undermined the museum’s mission and violated ethical guidelines. However, the museum maintained that the sale was necessary to ensure its financial stability and to support its new direction.
The renovation plans include moving the aquarium to a more prominent location on the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with the museum’s other exhibits. This move is expected to create a more cohesive visitor experience, blending the museum’s art, science, and history collections in a way that highlights their interconnectedness.
The reimagined galleries will feature a variety of exhibits that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The “Immersed in Nature” exhibit, for example, will combine taxidermy specimens with dioramas and projected landscapes, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Other exhibits will showcase the museum’s extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s history and heritage.
The museum’s board of trustees approved the renovation plans in April, following a controversial decision in 2017 to sell over 40 artworks, including two beloved Norman Rockwell paintings. Despite facing widespread criticism and legal challenges, including opposition from Rockwell’s heirs, the museum sold 22 artworks in 2018, raising $53 million to bolster its endowment and fund the renovations.
Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori from the Los Angeles-based firm StudioHAU has been commissioned to design the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early 2026. Museum spokesperson Cody Baffuto mentioned that the aquarium and galleries would close “on a rolling basis” to facilitate construction. While the museum has not disclosed the project’s budget, Baffuto indicated that more information on the cost would be available soon.
Tomio described the renovation as a “major initiative” that will strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Pittsfield and the Berkshires. The project is seen as a pivotal step in the museum’s evolution, aiming to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s decision to sell part of its collection to fund the renovations was met with significant backlash. Critics argued that the sale of artworks, especially those by Norman Rockwell, undermined the museum’s mission and violated ethical guidelines. However, the museum maintained that the sale was necessary to ensure its financial stability and to support its new direction.
The renovation plans include moving the aquarium to a more prominent location on the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with the museum’s other exhibits. This move is expected to create a more cohesive visitor experience, blending the museum’s art, science, and history collections in a way that highlights their interconnectedness.
The reimagined galleries will feature a variety of exhibits that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The “Immersed in Nature” exhibit, for example, will combine taxidermy specimens with dioramas and projected landscapes, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Other exhibits will showcase the museum’s extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s history and heritage.
The museum’s board of trustees approved the renovation plans in April, following a controversial decision in 2017 to sell over 40 artworks, including two beloved Norman Rockwell paintings. Despite facing widespread criticism and legal challenges, including opposition from Rockwell’s heirs, the museum sold 22 artworks in 2018, raising $53 million to bolster its endowment and fund the renovations.
Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori from the Los Angeles-based firm StudioHAU has been commissioned to design the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early 2026. Museum spokesperson Cody Baffuto mentioned that the aquarium and galleries would close “on a rolling basis” to facilitate construction. While the museum has not disclosed the project’s budget, Baffuto indicated that more information on the cost would be available soon.
Tomio described the renovation as a “major initiative” that will strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Pittsfield and the Berkshires. The project is seen as a pivotal step in the museum’s evolution, aiming to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s decision to sell part of its collection to fund the renovations was met with significant backlash. Critics argued that the sale of artworks, especially those by Norman Rockwell, undermined the museum’s mission and violated ethical guidelines. However, the museum maintained that the sale was necessary to ensure its financial stability and to support its new direction.
The renovation plans include moving the aquarium to a more prominent location on the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with the museum’s other exhibits. This move is expected to create a more cohesive visitor experience, blending the museum’s art, science, and history collections in a way that highlights their interconnectedness.
The reimagined galleries will feature a variety of exhibits that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The “Immersed in Nature” exhibit, for example, will combine taxidermy specimens with dioramas and projected landscapes, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Other exhibits will showcase the museum’s extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s history and heritage.
The museum’s board of trustees approved the renovation plans in April, following a controversial decision in 2017 to sell over 40 artworks, including two beloved Norman Rockwell paintings. Despite facing widespread criticism and legal challenges, including opposition from Rockwell’s heirs, the museum sold 22 artworks in 2018, raising $53 million to bolster its endowment and fund the renovations.
Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori from the Los Angeles-based firm StudioHAU has been commissioned to design the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early 2026. Museum spokesperson Cody Baffuto mentioned that the aquarium and galleries would close “on a rolling basis” to facilitate construction. While the museum has not disclosed the project’s budget, Baffuto indicated that more information on the cost would be available soon.
Tomio described the renovation as a “major initiative” that will strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Pittsfield and the Berkshires. The project is seen as a pivotal step in the museum’s evolution, aiming to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s decision to sell part of its collection to fund the renovations was met with significant backlash. Critics argued that the sale of artworks, especially those by Norman Rockwell, undermined the museum’s mission and violated ethical guidelines. However, the museum maintained that the sale was necessary to ensure its financial stability and to support its new direction.
The renovation plans include moving the aquarium to a more prominent location on the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with the museum’s other exhibits. This move is expected to create a more cohesive visitor experience, blending the museum’s art, science, and history collections in a way that highlights their interconnectedness.
The reimagined galleries will feature a variety of exhibits that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The “Immersed in Nature” exhibit, for example, will combine taxidermy specimens with dioramas and projected landscapes, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Other exhibits will showcase the museum’s extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s history and heritage.
The museum’s board of trustees approved the renovation plans in April, following a controversial decision in 2017 to sell over 40 artworks, including two beloved Norman Rockwell paintings. Despite facing widespread criticism and legal challenges, including opposition from Rockwell’s heirs, the museum sold 22 artworks in 2018, raising $53 million to bolster its endowment and fund the renovations.
Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori from the Los Angeles-based firm StudioHAU has been commissioned to design the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early 2026. Museum spokesperson Cody Baffuto mentioned that the aquarium and galleries would close “on a rolling basis” to facilitate construction. While the museum has not disclosed the project’s budget, Baffuto indicated that more information on the cost would be available soon.
Tomio described the renovation as a “major initiative” that will strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Pittsfield and the Berkshires. The project is seen as a pivotal step in the museum’s evolution, aiming to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s decision to sell part of its collection to fund the renovations was met with significant backlash. Critics argued that the sale of artworks, especially those by Norman Rockwell, undermined the museum’s mission and violated ethical guidelines. However, the museum maintained that the sale was necessary to ensure its financial stability and to support its new direction.
The renovation plans include moving the aquarium to a more prominent location on the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with the museum’s other exhibits. This move is expected to create a more cohesive visitor experience, blending the museum’s art, science, and history collections in a way that highlights their interconnectedness.
The reimagined galleries will feature a variety of exhibits that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The “Immersed in Nature” exhibit, for example, will combine taxidermy specimens with dioramas and projected landscapes, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Other exhibits will showcase the museum’s extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s history and heritage.
The museum’s board of trustees approved the renovation plans in April, following a controversial decision in 2017 to sell over 40 artworks, including two beloved Norman Rockwell paintings. Despite facing widespread criticism and legal challenges, including opposition from Rockwell’s heirs, the museum sold 22 artworks in 2018, raising $53 million to bolster its endowment and fund the renovations.
Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori from the Los Angeles-based firm StudioHAU has been commissioned to design the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early 2026. Museum spokesperson Cody Baffuto mentioned that the aquarium and galleries would close “on a rolling basis” to facilitate construction. While the museum has not disclosed the project’s budget, Baffuto indicated that more information on the cost would be available soon.
Tomio described the renovation as a “major initiative” that will strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Pittsfield and the Berkshires. The project is seen as a pivotal step in the museum’s evolution, aiming to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s decision to sell part of its collection to fund the renovations was met with significant backlash. Critics argued that the sale of artworks, especially those by Norman Rockwell, undermined the museum’s mission and violated ethical guidelines. However, the museum maintained that the sale was necessary to ensure its financial stability and to support its new direction.
The renovation plans include moving the aquarium to a more prominent location on the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with the museum’s other exhibits. This move is expected to create a more cohesive visitor experience, blending the museum’s art, science, and history collections in a way that highlights their interconnectedness.
The reimagined galleries will feature a variety of exhibits that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The “Immersed in Nature” exhibit, for example, will combine taxidermy specimens with dioramas and projected landscapes, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Other exhibits will showcase the museum’s extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s history and heritage.
The museum’s board of trustees approved the renovation plans in April, following a controversial decision in 2017 to sell over 40 artworks, including two beloved Norman Rockwell paintings. Despite facing widespread criticism and legal challenges, including opposition from Rockwell’s heirs, the museum sold 22 artworks in 2018, raising $53 million to bolster its endowment and fund the renovations.
Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori from the Los Angeles-based firm StudioHAU has been commissioned to design the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early 2026. Museum spokesperson Cody Baffuto mentioned that the aquarium and galleries would close “on a rolling basis” to facilitate construction. While the museum has not disclosed the project’s budget, Baffuto indicated that more information on the cost would be available soon.
Tomio described the renovation as a “major initiative” that will strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Pittsfield and the Berkshires. The project is seen as a pivotal step in the museum’s evolution, aiming to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s decision to sell part of its collection to fund the renovations was met with significant backlash. Critics argued that the sale of artworks, especially those by Norman Rockwell, undermined the museum’s mission and violated ethical guidelines. However, the museum maintained that the sale was necessary to ensure its financial stability and to support its new direction.
The renovation plans include moving the aquarium to a more prominent location on the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with the museum’s other exhibits. This move is expected to create a more cohesive visitor experience, blending the museum’s art, science, and history collections in a way that highlights their interconnectedness.
The reimagined galleries will feature a variety of exhibits that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. The “Immersed in Nature” exhibit, for example, will combine taxidermy specimens with dioramas and projected landscapes, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Other exhibits will showcase the museum’s extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s history and heritage.
The museum’s board of trustees approved the renovation plans in April, following a controversial decision in 2017 to sell over 40 artworks, including two beloved Norman Rockwell paintings. Despite facing widespread criticism and legal challenges, including opposition from Rockwell’s heirs, the museum sold 22 artworks in 2018, raising $53 million to bolster its endowment and fund the renovations.
Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori from the Los Angeles-based firm StudioHAU has been commissioned to design the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early 2026. Museum spokesperson Cody Baffuto mentioned that the aquarium and galleries would close “on a rolling basis” to facilitate construction. While the museum has not disclosed the project’s budget, Baffuto indicated that more information on the cost would be available soon.
Tomio described the renovation as a “major initiative” that will strengthen community bonds and foster a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Pittsfield and the Berkshires. The project is seen as a pivotal step in the museum’s evolution, aiming to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s decision to sell part of its collection to fund the renovations was met with significant backlash. Critics argued that the sale of artworks, especially those by Norman Rockwell, undermined the museum’s mission and violated ethical guidelines. However, the museum maintained that the sale was necessary to ensure its financial stability and to support its new direction.
The renovation plans include moving the aquarium to a more prominent location on the main floor, effectively doubling its size and integrating it with the museum’s other exhibits. This move is expected to create a more cohesive visitor experience, blending the museum’s art, science, and history collections in
