Historic Preservation, Museums + Galleries

American Museum of Natural History

Northwest Coast Hall

Architect
WHY Architecture
Location
New York, New York
Size
9,650 SF
Completed
2022
Download Project Sheet
Northwest Coast Hall 05
© Scott Rohan
Northwest Coast Hall 04
© Scott Rohan
Northwest Coast Hall 02
© Scott Rohan

Honoring the architectural heritage of the American Museum of Natural History’s oldest gallery.

Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. It is renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections, and wide-ranging program of scientific research and education. Inaugurated in 1899 by famed anthropologist, Franz Boas, Northwest Coast Hall is the Museum’s oldest gallery.

The Museum undertook a $19 million renovation of Northwest Coast Hall in 2018. Exhibit space was redesigned, honoring the architectural heritage of the historic hall and creating a more seamless exhibition experience for visitors. Altieri’s project scope comprised HVAC and electrical system engineering services, along with IT and fire protection design services. Altieri’s extensive knowledge of the Hall is the result of projects predating the 2018 renovation including a fire protection master plan for the entire Museum in 2011, followed by the first phase of its implementation within Section 1 of AMNH, for which Altieri serviced as Prime Consultant. This previous work included sprinkler and fire alarm upgrades to the Hall and the two exhibit halls above, including disassembly and reconstruction of the existing structural beam enclosures to fully integrate new sprinkler systems in the historic hall.

Images © Scott Rohan

Northwest Coast Hall 01

Images © Scott Rohan

Northwest Coast Hall 03