Museum to open new wing

LMA—The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum will open its new wing, which also serves as the art museum’ new front door, on Jan. 19.

Designed by famous architect Renzo Piano, the glassy new building on Evans Way includes new galleries, a concert hall and a “Living Room” where visitors can lounge and learn about the museum.

The debut exhibits will feature Scottish artist Victoria Morton and Italian artists Luisa Lambri and Stefano Arienti. A full slate of concerts includes several commissioned works. There will be special series focus on jazz and cutting-edge classical music.

The Tapestry Room in the original museum building at 280 The Fenway has been restored and now focuses on historic tapestries as intended.

The century-old museum is Gardner’s former home and has her collection of fine art and household furnishings more or less as she left them. The new wing allows the museum to feature more contemporary art as well as offer more visitor services.

The new wing was controversial locally for requiring the demolition of a historic carriage house and the relocation of some art in the original building. The museum has been closed since November in preparation for the grand opening.

For more information, see gardnermuseum.org or call 617-566-1401.

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