Interpretive Museums
Liberty Science Center
Studio Museum in Harlem
Founded in 1968 by a diverse group of artists, community activists, and philanthropists, The Studio Museum in Harlem is the premier center for contemporary artists of African descent, the principal visual art institution in Harlem, and a magnet for visitors from around the world. The first building created expressly for the institution’s program, this new home is designed to enable the Studio Museum to better serve a growing and diverse audience, provide additional educational opportunities for people of all ages, expand its program of world-renowned exhibitions, effectively display its singular collection, and strengthen its trailblazing Artist-in-Residence program. The new structure will consist of a lower level for presentations, with a welcome center, a cafe, and public amenities; a porous, welcoming presence at street level, with a light-filled core that soars up through the entire interior; a variety of gallery spaces on the second, third, and fourth floors, with an education center on the third and dedicated spaces for the Artist-in-Residence program on the fourth; staff offices on the fifth floor; and a roof terrace spanning the entire building.
American Museum of Natural History
Hailed as a soaring architectural achievement, the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation represents the first major expansion on the American Museum of Natural History’s 150-year old campus since the Rose Center for Earth and Space. The project includes world-class research lab facilities and scientific collections, next-generation classrooms, and innovative exhibitions, including the family insectarium and butterfly conservatory. Other program elements include a library, dining and retail amenities, as well as supporting infrastructure and administrative spaces.
The Gilder project creates more than 30 new connections among 10 of the Museum’s buildings – linking the entire four-block campus and establishing a new entrance in the adjacent Theodore Roosevelt Park. The complex program required the coordination of a complex public approvals and community engagement process; phasing of construction around ongoing Museum operations; funding from multiple sources, including the City of New York; and integration of the program, sustainability, infrastructure, and operational needs
American Museum of Natural History
In partnership with the City and State of New York, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) underwent a major restoration of the landmarked Central Park West façade, exterior plaza and interior spaces. The first phase involved the restoration of Roosevelt Hall, as well as the introduction of new admissions and information facilities. The program also included improvements to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall, Theodore Roosevelt Statue, rotunda murals and new exterior lighting. The Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo design of the restored façade carefully integrates with the historic buildings and required approvals from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
American Museum of Natural History
The temporary exhibits program at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) provide the opportunity for the Museum to highlight current science, research and trends. These short-term exhibits are intended to attract and engage new and repeat visitors by providing special programming that diversifies the Museum’s offerings.
American Museum of Natural History
In addition to its exhibition and building projects located in the public realm, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) undertakes infrastructure and back of house facility upgrades, as well as maintenance projects to support its twenty-five building historic campus. As its first project with AMNH, Zubatkin oversaw the planning and implementation of a central mechanical plant to service the entire Museum complex.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions that aims to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe. Founded in 1869, the Landmarked campus includes a combination of twenty-five historic and modern buildings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Over the last twenty-five years, Zubatkin has had the privilege of partnering with the Museum on its major capital projects and other master planning initiatives. Zubatkin’s work has involved a diverse series of new construction and renovation projects–all while maintaining operations within the facility and navigating a complex municipal approvals process. Many of the capital projects have required the coordination of funding from multiple sources, including support from New York City and State.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
The Gerry Foundation – a not-for-profit organization established to help stimulate economic activity and revitalization in Sullivan County, New York – developed the Bethel Woods complex. Located on the original site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, Bethel Woods aims to preserve the historic concert site as a vibrant, cultural destination dedicated to inspiring and educating individuals through the arts and humanities. The lush, 800-acre campus includes a pavilion stage amphitheater, indoor event gallery, museum, conservatory for arts and educational programming and parking facilities.
The Museum at Bethel Woods features a series of interactive exhibits and programs addressing the story of the social, political and cultural events of the 1960s, culminating with the Woodstock Festival. The 40,000 sf building is built using a variety of materials, including locally-quarried stone, copper and laminate wood, to reflect the rural character of the surrounding landscape. The project includes a main exhibit gallery, special exhibit gallery, 130-seat theater, classrooms, event space and museum shop.
National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
A new, start-up institution, the National Museum of Mathematics (“MoMath”) is the only museum dedicated to mathematics in the United States. Led by a group of dedicated math enthusiasts, the museum’s mission is to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics.
Located within a historic building that overlooks Madison Square Park, the 20,000 square foot program includes a series of hands-on, interactive exhibits, a temporary exhibit gallery, flexible lecture hall, retail and administrative support spaces. The museum also created a number of public outreach programs, including their popular traveling exhibit, Math Midway, which is currently touring museums and schools across the country.
USGA Museum
The United States Golf Association (USGA) Museum is an institution dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the game of golf and serves as a steward for the game’s history and future. The Museum is home to the world’s premier collection of golf artifacts and memorabilia.
To further its mission and improve the overall functionality of the museum, the USGA embarked on an expansion project to create the new Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History. The addition includes gallery spaces, research areas, library, collections storage, administrative offices and museum store. The Hall of Champions, one of the signature architectural spaces, was developed to showcase trophies from all of the USGA national championships. The project also includes a 10,000 sf putting green.
American Museum of Natural History
A major component of the North Side project, the iconic Rose Center for Earth and Space represents one of the most significant additions to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)’s historic campus. The project involved the demolition of the landmarked Hayden Planetarium and the construction of a new modern glass structure. The dynamic building plays a vital role in furthering the Museum’s scientific and educational mission, and houses the spectacular Hayden Planetarium and Big Bang Theater, Cosmic Pathway, and Hall of the Universe. The accompanying exhibitions explore the 13-billion-year history of the universe and the dynamic features of the galaxies, stars and planets that make up the ecosystem.
In addition to the Rose Center, the North Side project included the Arthur Ross Terrace built over a new parking garage, the Weston Pavilion and the renovation of the Theodore Roosevelt Park.