Nestled within the lush expanse of The Arboretum at Penn State, the new Palmer Museum of Art blends art, architecture, and nature and is a must-see for visitors to Happy Valley. This state-of-the-art facility, designed by Allied Works and complemented by the landscape architecture of Reed Hilderbrand, invites visitors on a journey that seamlessly blends the indoor and outdoor space into one unique experience.

An Architectural Commitment to Nature and the Environment

The Palmer Museum’s new location at 650 Bigler Road is a sprawling 73,000-square-foot structure set within a five-acre landscape. The LEED-certified building underscores Penn State’s dedication to environmental sustainability, featuring energy-efficient designs that account for local climate and ecological conditions. The interlocking sandstone pavilions, sourced from local quarries, are a nod to central Pennsylvania’s geology and create a natural ambiance.

Architect Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works describes the museum’s architectural character: “The Palmer Museum’s new location invites you on a walkthrough of the gardens Erin M. Coe, the museum’s director, is excited to welcome visitors for a special new experience. “A visit to the new Palmer Museum of Art provides a remarkable opportunity to meander through spaces filled with works of art as though one were strolling through the landscape, experiencing art, architecture, and nature as something both intimate and immense. Enhanced accessibility to the Museum’s collection and other new amenities elevate those experiences further,” she said. “We are inaugurating the new building with a fun-filled opening weekend of activities and a summer schedule featuring a host of new programs including first-time summer camps, creative workshops, yoga classes, and much more,” says Coe. These initiatives highlight the museum’s commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning.

Unveiling New Spaces and Collections

The Palmer Museum’s expansion nearly doubles its previous footprint, offering 20 spacious galleries, a museum store, a café, and versatile educational and event spaces. The new Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Gateway, a striking overhead bridge, connects the museum’s main wings and serves as a new portal to the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens.

Visitors can look forward to engaging exhibitions like “MADE in PA,” showcasing works by artists with strong ties to Pennsylvania, including Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Edna Andrade. This exhibition, alongside “MADE in PA on Paper,” celebrates the state’s rich artistic heritage and is on display through December 1. Another notable exhibition, “The Art of Teaching: Medical Education and the Integrated Curriculum,” highlights the intersection of art and medical education, creating a unique learning opportunity.

Erin M. Coe, the museum’s director, is excited to welcome visitors for a special new experience. “A visit to the new Palmer Museum of Art provides a remarkable opportunity to meander through spaces filled with works of art as though one were strolling through the landscape, experiencing art, architecture, and nature as something both intimate and immense. Enhanced accessibility to the Museum’s collection and other new amenities elevate those experiences further,” she said.

“We are inaugurating the new building with a fun-filled opening weekend of activities and a summer schedule featuring a host of new programs including first-time summer camps, creative workshops, yoga classes, and much more,” says Coe. These initiatives highlight the museum’s commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning.

A Destination for All

A free admission policy and the museum’s comprehensive collection, including American art, contemporary studio glass, ceramics, African art, and European Old Master paintings, make the Palmer Museum of Art an accessible and enlightening cultural resource for residents and visitors of all ages.

“By locating the new Palmer Museum building at the Arboretum, Penn State is creating a world-class cultural destination. We look forward to welcoming students, faculty, staff, and visitors to experience the collection, our inaugural exhibitions, and the spectacular setting that inspired it all,” Coe says.

As the Palmer Museum of Art opens its doors, it not only redefines the cultural landscape of central Pennsylvania but also sets a new standard for how museums can engage with their natural surroundings and with their visitors and communities. On your next visit to Happy Valley, make a point to explore this innovative space where art and nature converge, offering an unparalleled experience right on Penn State’s campus.

For more about the new Palmer Museum, including details about exhibits, programming and grand opening activities, visit palmermuseum.psu.edu