Museum partners with prestigious Hiller Architecture of Princeton and acclaimed New York exhibition design firm, Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership

Morristown, NJ (March 20, 2006) – The Morris Museum, an international cultural center celebrating creativity in science, art, theatre and history broke ground today to launch plans for an $8 million expansion and renovation project. Museum officials, architects and elected officials gathered at the museum, located at 6 Normandy Heights Road, in Morristown, N.J. for the historic groundbreaking event.

The catalyst for expansion is the new Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of mechanical musical instruments and automata. Museum officials, architects and elected officials gathered at the museum, located at 6 Normandy Heights Road, in Morristown, for the historic groundbreaking ceremony, launching an $8 million expansion and renovation project.

“The configuration of the new and renovated space and the way it serves our visitors will profoundly influence the effectiveness of the museum’s exhibitions, the programs we offer and the realization of our mission, advancing the Morris Museum as a regional and international travel destination, “ said Steven H. Miller, executive director.

The museum trustees have embarked on a $15 million capital and endowment campaign, Assuring the Future, which includes this $8 million project. They have raised $5.8 million to date.

"The board recognized that the time has come to build on the Morris Museum’s entrepreneurial spirit, its programs and its achievements,” said campaign chair, Nelson Schaenen, Jr. “The campaign will provide us with the essential space and resources to effectively serve our growing community in the 21st century.”

The museum teamed up with Hillier Architecture in Princeton, NJ and Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership in New York, NY after acquiring the world-renowned Guinness Collection in late 2003. The 700 rare instruments and automata date from the late 16th to early 20th centuries.

A new wing for the Guinness Collection will provide a permanent, public exhibition and research facility with a 4,300-square-foot gallery, viewable storage and resource center.

In addition to the Guinness wing, other important improvements will include a grand, two-story Entrance Pavilion, Family Discovery Place and Science Learning Center, as well as the restoration of the museum’s historic 1913 former residence designed by McKim, Mead and White.  The preservation of the historic integrity of the museum’s building will underscore its ongoing commitment to the community it serves.

“Our goal was to both add and subtract,” said Nicholas P. Garrison, the design principal at Hillier for the Morris Museum project. “By that I mean the new additions needed to provide exciting new spaces and also help to peel away and reveal the many layers that have for too long hidden the beauty and grace of the original Frelinghuysen Mansion. “

Upon completion of the additions and renovations, visitors will have an entirely new visiting experience.

“The Morris Museum is one of the leading cultural and educational institutions in New Jersey and a very special place with a special mission. It is an honor to work on this project for them," said J. Robert Hillier, founder and chairman of Hillier Architecture.

"With the expansion and renovation of its facilities, the museum will soon be able to showcase world-renowned exhibits like the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection and also give visitors the chance to explore the wonders of science, art and history in a brand new way."

A grand, two-story Entrance Pavilion, featuring an eco-friendly, ivy-covered exterior screen wall will welcome visitors to the newly improved museum, while providing a distinguished entrance to both the museum and the Bickford Theatre.

Once inside, visitors will then enter a new two-story atrium that brings natural light into the core of the museum and helps orient visitors to the museum’s galleries and exhibitions. The atrium also links the new Murtogh D. Guinness Collection to both the museum’s existing and newly designed gallery spaces on two levels.

The New York City firm of Lee H. Skolnick Architecture+ Design Partnership is responsible for the design of the new Guinness Collection exhibition.

“Our real creative challenge has been in finding ways to bring these wonderful musical instruments and automata to life for the thousands of visitors who will enjoy, and be enlightened by them,” said principal, Lee H. Skolnick.

Currently, there are approximately 60 pieces from the collection on display. Live demonstrations are held on weekdays at 3 p.m. and on weekends at 2 p.m.

“We’ve had a great collaborative experience in working with the creative team at the Morris Museum and the architects at Hillier, “ said Skolnick. “The level of passion and expertise, coupled with the commitment to excellence and teamwork has made for an exceptional working relationship, and product!”

Del-Sano Contracting Corporation in Union, New Jersey has been awarded the museum project, which is projected for completion in Summer 2007.

About the museum

Founded in 1913, the Morris Museum has added three major additions to accommodate its growing collections and programs over the years.

Serving more than 200,000 visitors each year, the museum celebrates creativity in the arts, sciences, theatre and history with a focus on education. Its collections are varied, showcasing everything from natural history and art, to a model railroad and classic dolls and toys.

The Morris Museum, located at 6 Normandy Heights Road (at the corner of Columbia Turnpike) in Morristown, NJ, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission to the museum is always free for museum members and is free to the public every Thursday between 1 and 8 p.m.  For more information, call 973.971.3700, or visit www.morrismuseum.org.

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(Photos and renderings available upon request)

For more information about the Morris Museum, contact Kimberly Tauriello, PR Manager at 973.971.3714 or ktauriello@morrismuseum.org.

For more information about Hillier Architecture, contact Gwen McNamara, Assistant Manager Marketing Communications at 609.580.4005 or gmcnamara@hillier.com.

For more information about Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership, contact Dave Donovan of Dan Klores Communications at 212.685.4300 or Dave_Donovan@dkcnews.com.

For more information about Del-Sano Contracting Corporation, contact Patty Bosco, Marketing Director at 908.688.8891 or pbosco@delsano.com.