Visitors to the Aboretum at Penn State will soon notice an addition to the area. Penn State is working with an architect on plans for the new University Art Museum, set to be built at the Aboretum’s entrance. The new museum will replace the current Palmer Museum of Art.
Palmer Museum Director Erin Coe said that this move will allow for more space.
"We are at maximum capacity,” Coe said. “The building is full, so we are in a growth mode and we are in an expansion mode.”
The new museum will have almost double the amount of exhibition space and areas for classrooms and community events.
The project has a total budget of $71 million and will be part of Penn State’s five-year capital plan. The current Palmer Museum will continue to be used as a space for students.
Construction is set to begin late 2020 pending board approval of the final plan. Opening is scheduled for the fall of 2022.
