• Overview

The design by nationally renowned architecture firm EDGE Studio includes four major galleries, a number of smaller galleries, a 250-person performance space, a public meeting space at a new unified entrance, improved space for conferences and lectures, additional special-events capabilities (including rentals), public spaces both indoors and outdoors, a café, and a gift shop.  The expanded Museum will be the first certified “green” building in the City of Erie, promoting environmental sustainability as well as providing substantial savings in energy and utility costs.

The entire design, planning and fundraising process has been guided by a Development Committee of the Board, utilizing the varied areas of expertise of many Board members.  An intensive value engineering process was completed in 2007 to bring the project to within budgeted levels for construction.  In addition, the Museum negotiated the purchase of the Erie County Historical Society’s neighboring facility, enhancing cost effectiveness and improving the quality of the project, providing space for future growth, and meeting the long-term strategic visions of both organizations.

The expansion will allow for the display of a greatly increased number of the 6,000 objects in the Museum’s permanent collection, provide a greater space for community classes, programming and public events, and add to the critical mass of activity in Downtown Erie; institutionalize 40 years of growth and innovation under Director John Vanco; and augment the Bayfront Convention Center, downtown dining and entertainment venues and other local cultural attractions.

To make a gift to the capital campaign, contact Museum Marketing & Development Director Carolyn Eller at (814) 459-5477.