PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Museum will close for major renovations to its first-floor spaces and galleries starting January 6, 2025. 

 

While the museum undergoes construction, it will produce a lineup of off-site events and educational programs across the Berkshires, utilizing partnerships with local organizations.

 

This includes the museum's outreach efforts will be its Mobile Museum Units (MoMUs), a series of 11 portable, STEAM-focused displays featuring elements of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. These "mini-exhibitions," already popular in schools and community spaces, will continue to bring curated collections to audiences throughout the region.

 

"MoMUs have been at the forefront of the Berkshire Museum’s education philosophy since re-opening from the pandemic three years ago, and we continue to expand their reach," said Berkshire Museum Curriculum Developer Joseph Mastronardi. "As they were designed to offer engaging and differentiated field-trip experiences outside the museum walls, we are thrilled to be able to partner with locales throughout the Berkshires to continue showcasing our collection while our building gets its exciting upgrade."

 

The renovations, set to be completed in 2026, will include a new lobby, gift shop, family activity center, lecture hall, conference room, and reimagined first-floor galleries showcasing art, natural history, and historical objects. A centerpiece of the project will be a new aquarium featuring aquatic and terrestrial life, designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

 

"After years of preparation, we are ready to launch the final component of planned upgrades to the 1903 building, focusing on all the first-floor spaces, as well as unveiling a new aquarium," said Kimberley Bush Tomio, Berkshire Museum Executive Director. "The outcome will be a fresh look at the museum’s treasures and opportunities for programs and exhibitions for people of all ages."

 

Community members can track renovation updates and access programming schedules through the museum's website, berkshiremuseum.org.