Philadelphia, PA
The Franklin Institute: Hamilton Collections Gallery
Becker & Frondorf served as Project Managers for the renovation of the Hamilton Collections Gallery at The Franklin Institute, a complex project centered around some of the museum’s most iconic and irreplaceable artifacts. The work showcases our ability to manage museum-quality construction while preserving and protecting sensitive historic objects within an active cultural setting.
Protecting Artifacts
A key challenge involved maintaining the safety of two large-scale locomotives, including the massive Baldwin 60000, which remained in place while major structural demolition of an existing floor occurred. These artifacts could not be moved, requiring precise planning, close coordination with curators and conservation experts, and the implementation of protection strategies that ensured their integrity from start to finish.
Showcasing History
The completed gallery features an updated multi-level exhibition space that highlights the historic collection through visible high-density storage. Delivering this vision required careful sequencing, specialized environmental controls, and continuous collaboration among all stakeholders to minimize disruption to museum operations.
Expert Coordination
The Hamilton Collections Gallery project demonstrates the importance of careful coordination, clear communication, and thorough planning when working in occupied spaces with sensitive or immovable artifacts. Success in these environments depends on balancing construction goals with preservation needs, requiring a steady and experienced hand to guide the process from start to finish.
