The new Palmer Museum of Art is envisioned as a harmonious blend of art, nature, and community. The museum landscape is designed to be a welcoming destination where visitors can experience the museum’s collections as part of the larger Arboretum environment in the Nittany Valley landscape. The museum’s connection to Penn State’s agricultural legacy and natural lands is a testament to wellness, resilience, and the university’s commitment to teaching, research, and service.

In collaboration with Allied Works architects, the museum’s landscape design features arcing paths and terraces that contrast with the building’s orthogonal geometry. This design integrates the pavilion-like galleries with the gardens and the Arboretum’s main oval lawn, creating a cohesive composition of Museum and Arboretum. Views of the landscape from within the museum complement the art inside, while the exposed aggregate concrete paths and terraces that extend into the terrazo surfacing of the lobbies guide visitors through a seamless and visually continuous indoor and outdoor experience.

In partnership with the Arboretum’s horticultural team, a rich tapestry of trees, groundcover, ferns, grasses and perennials, was created, welcoming visitors with an herbaceous garden at the entrance. The lushly planted Dr. Keiko M. Ross Gateway is a connector and threshold, inviting exploration of the museum and the Arboretum. The landscape was designed for universal access and mobility, accommodating both solitary reflection and dynamic group activities. The design aligns with Penn State’s Sustainable Landscapes Implementation Plan, supporting the university’s climate goals and serving as a flexible, resilient space for the community.

Work completed while employed at Reed Hilderbrand; Adrian Fehrmann was the Project Manager from Schematic Design through Construction Observation.