The State Museum of Pennsylvania
& PHMC Tower

The State Museum showcases Pennsylvania’s singular role in shaping the nation and the world. Its 375,000 SF building complex is a prominent example of mid-century modern design combining a cylindrical museum building, archive tower, and connecting podium. Following the completion of Annum’s 2021 master plan, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) engaged the team of Annum and Vitetta to implement renovations of both the museum and archive buildings.

The museum visitor arrival experience is transformed with a welcoming lobby, introductory exhibit and a new vertical circulation and wayfinding approach. A pair of new oversized elevators will provide a direct vertical route from the entrance to the third floor, creating an accessible starting point for visitors. Lobby renovation will also provide new visitor amenities including two retail stores and expanded restrooms. A key addition to the museum’s exhibit program is a new 5,000 SF climate-controlled temporary exhibition space. On the fifth floor, a new multi-purpose event space and roof terrace provides a unique community setting overlooking the Susquehanna River and State House.

The 19-story archive tower will be renovated to provide 15 floors of collection storage for a range of materials and objects. A new observation level will be created by opening the solid facade with new glass walls. Renovations to the connecting podium include a renewed lobby, administration offices, and collections support and storage spaces.