PITTSFIELD, MASS.- Berkshire Museum is set to move forward with a transformative renovation of its renowned Aquarium and the entirety of the main floor galleries beginning in October 2024. It comes after unanimous approval by its Board of Trustees in April. This marks a significant milestone in the museum’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing its facilities to better serve the community and enhance visitor experiences.

“This major initiative will strengthen our community bonds and rekindle a deep appreciation for the heritage that defines Pittsfield and the Berkshires. Through these enhancements, we aim to create a dynamic cultural hub that celebrates our past and inspires future generations.” said Kimberley Bush Tomio, Berkshire Museum’s Executive Director.

“Our visitors from near and far have a deep love for our aquarium. We are thrilled to begin this construction which will move the aquarium to the main floor, not only doubling its square footage, but interweaving our “living exhibition” with updated gallery spaces that blend our vast collections of art, science, and history pieces.”

The redevelopment initiative represents the culmination of the museum’s strategic vision to create a dynamic and immersive environment that celebrates the intersection of art, science, and history. This project is done in collaboration with Design Architect Yo-ichiro Hakomori of StudioHAU, based in Los Angeles, California, along with Architect of Record, Bradley Architects Inc., and Construction Manager at Risk, David J. Tierney Jr. Inc, both based out of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Owner’s Project Manager for Development and Construction is Skanska, based out of Manhattan, New York.

Visitors can anticipate a complete renovation of the first floor, with exhibitions that highlight the link between the human and natural worlds, fostering curiosity and exploration. Iconic facets of the museum such as “Berkshire Backyard,” which features a vast array of taxidermy, will be transformed into “Immersed in Nature,” which plans to combine elements of natural habitats with the diversity of wildlife alongside ecosystems, wall displays, projected landscapes, and dioramas, intermixed with paintings, sculptures, and various other objects from the museum’s collections.

The updated aquarium will become a centerpiece of the museum’s main floor. Through a thoughtful design and innovative presentation, the new aquarium will serve as an exciting educational resource, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to engage with and learn about diverse aquatic and terrestrial species, including new species such as Moon jellyfish.

Berkshire Museum will continue to update the community on this project regularly, with the most up-to-date information available at berkshiremuseum.org/construction.