The Edgar N. Putman Event Pavilion at the Michener Art Museum is a 2,500 square foot light-filled, all-glass structure with a solid roof and doors. Extending into the Museum’s Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden, the Pavilion’s doors access both the galleries and gardens.
The Edgar N. Putman Event Pavilion at the Michener Art Museum was officially inaugurated during a special event on 18 April, in the presence of 150 supporters of the museum, who got the first public look at the USD 5 million addition, joined by politicians, staff members, and the pavilion’s designers and builders.
The Pavilion, which is a contemporary, light-filled space where receptions and special events can be held, surrounded by views of the Michener Art Museum galleries, has been designed to dramatically increase the Museum’s ability to offer its visitors custom programming while establishing the Museum as a premier destination for facility rentals.
“Museums are seeking innovative ways to meet the needs of their visitors while identifying new revenue streams,” said Bruce Katsiff, Director and CEO for the Museum. “The new Pavilion will help the Museum fulfil its mission by attracting new audiences and generating the funds to move the Museum forward.”
Designed by the internationally recognized Philadelphia-based architecture firm KieranTimberlake, the Edgar N. Putman Event Pavilion will serve as a premier event space in Bucks County for weddings, private parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate meetings, as well as exhibition openings, lectures and the Museum’s popular Jazz Nights series.
The Pavilion is a 2,500 square foot light-filled, all-glass structure with a solid roof and doors. Extending into the Museum’s Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden, the Pavilion’s doors access both the galleries and gardens.
“The 19th century wall speaks to the 21st century glass, and the glass now speaks to the stone, and the two have a wonderful conversation with the gardens on either side,” architect James Timberlake said during the dedication ceremonies for the Edgar N. Putman Event Center.
The 2,700-square-foot pavilion is named for long-time museum benefactor Edgar Putman, thanks to a ‘seven-figure gift’ by his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Paula Putman.
“Knowing how much my father liked a good party, and seeing this, I’m certain this would be his favourite venue for an event,” said Kevin Putman, chairman of the museum’s board of directors.