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The Franklin Institute

Designed and built in 1929, only a portion of the planned new science museum was constructed due to the Great Depression. The focal center of the new building was the Franklin Hall Rotunda which was designated as a National Landmark. Relevant to the MMA project, the Institute is also a significant historic institutional building connecting the central cultural and business area with a surrounding residential neighborhood. Since 1929 only one addition had been added to the original design until the occasion for JacobsWyper’ s commission for the new Karabots Pavilion. As
a prominent edifice on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the new wing demanded a highly sensitive design compatible to the context of the architecture and approvable by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The Karabots Pavilion is a multistory addition that fulfills a need for additional exhibit, education and meeting areas within the museum. This project allowed the Franklin Institute to modernize facility systems, integrate new technology, significantly expand programming, diversify its revenue stream and accommodate additional visitors. Highlighting the connection between science and art, a three-story, kinetic sculpture, “Shimmer Wall” by Ned Kahn, is integrated into the architecture of the south façade.

Location

Philadelphia

Year

2012

Size

53,000 sf

Budget

$25 million

Awards

Buildy Award 2018

  • franklin institute gallery
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