Mütter Museum plans million expansion and renovation project.
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the footprint of its renowned Mütter Museum, located at the intersection of 22nd and Chestnut Streets. This expansion is set to include a new accessible entrance, larger exhibition galleries, enhanced educational and event spaces, an upgraded gift shop, and renovations to its core gallery. Such initiatives aim to enrich the museum experience while ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
Founded as the oldest private society of physicians in the United States, the College made a significant investment in 2023 by purchasing the adjacent buildings at 2129 Chestnut Street, a former Swedenborgian Church and Parish House, for approximately .3 million. Since then, the institution has successfully raised million to fund the inaugural phase of renovations, which will unfold in stages over the upcoming years.
A prominent feature of the expansion will be a large glass structure serving as the new entrance, linking the current College building with the church facility. The church space is designated for administrative offices, collaborative areas for College Fellows, and event spaces conducive to various educational and cultural programming.
With the College hosting around 5,000 students annually for STEM and museum programs, the additional classroom space is expected to significantly enhance their outreach efforts, potentially allowing them to double the number of Philadelphia students they serve. The expansion will not only accommodate more educational activities but will also increase the gallery space at the museum, allowing for a broader presentation of its extensive collection, which comprises approximately 500,000 artifacts ranging from medical instruments to human anatomical specimens.
Original plans for the expansion were developed under former College CEO Mira Irons and Mütter executive director Kate Quinn, who departed amid previous controversies surrounding the museum’s approach to human remains. Leadership has since transitioned, with Erin McLeary and Sara Ray taking over responsibilities for collections and visitor engagement. They aim to facilitate a visitor experience that respects the museum’s historical aesthetic while incorporating necessary modernization.
Prominent renovations are also planned for the core gallery, which showcases rare medical artifacts, to improve display visibility and overall visitor engagement. These updates aim to retain the Victorian charm while enhancing the educational experience, with renovations slated to conclude by 2027.
As part of this major renovation effort, design firm MGA Partners and project managers Becker & Frondorf will collaborate with the College, with construction anticipated to commence in early 2026. While the expansion aligns with the previous vision of the museum’s prior leadership, it also seeks to spotlight more of the collection, given that currently only about 20% of the holdings are on public display. With these thoughtful enhancements, the Mütter Museum is poised to strengthen its role as a cultural and educational landmark in Philadelphia.
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