Berkshire Museum is currently under renovation and is not open for admission. Visit our events page to see all of our upcoming offsite events or our renovations page for information about our ongoing project.
RECENT & UPCOMING NEWS
Renovations have begun at the Berkshire Museum!
This project will see major updates to the museum, including new and exciting exhibits, a multipurpose lecture hall, and the centerpiece of our work – a new state-of-the-art aquarium. The museum will not be open for admission while work is underway, but we will still be active in the Berkshires with a variety of engaging offsite events for people of all ages.
The museum is currently set to reopen in late 2025, with our aquarium opening in 2026. Timelines may be subject to change, so please visit this page, our social media channels, or our enews for all future renovation updates.
We can’t wait to unveil our new experience to the public and look forward to seeing you at one of our offsite events this year or here at the museum when we reopen!
– Berkshire Museum Staff
Berkshire Museum will begin construction work on major renovations to our first floor starting Monday, January 6th, 2025. Updates to the museum will include fresh and engaging interpretations of the museum’s diverse collections, a lecture hall, lobby, and more. The centerpiece of our work will be a state-of-the-art aquarium set to open in 2026.
During this time, the museum will not be open for admission, but will be going “mobile” with a variety of off-site programs and events.
We encourage the public to visit this page and our social media pages to stay up-to-date with all of our news. We hope you’ll enjoy the new experience and thank you for your continued support!
– Berkshire Museum Staff
If you are a museum member and have a question about your current membership status, please email membership@berkshiremuseum.org or call 413-443-7171 today.
Aquarium Bon Voyage Celebration
October 24th, 5:30-7:30pm
Come say Bon Voyage! to the Berkshire Museum Aquarium’s current space on October 24th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Since 1986, the Berkshire Museum Aquarium has delighted the region with its array of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. We are now in the process of finalizing plans for the design and construction of a new aquarium, which will move from its current location on the lower level to the museum’s main floor, doubling in size and introducing many new species. Before the current aquarium is closed, we invite the public to see our beloved animals in a rare after-hours showing. There will be fish-themed food, craft tables, live animal demonstrations, a memory wall, and sneak peeks at plans for the new Aquarium to come!
Activities Include:
- Meet our tortoises!
- Create an aquarium-themed craft!
- Contribute to our Aquarium Memory Wall!
- Learn more about the new aquarium space!
Gallery Closures
Lab 102, Berkshire Backyard, and the Rocks and Minerals Gallery
The north-side galleries on the museum’s first floor contain our substantial collection of rocks, minerals, and taxidermy animals. This side of the museum has remained largely unchanged for the past 50 years, and many of the items on display date back to the museum’s opening in 1903.
Before construction crews can begin their work of transforming these spaces, our collections team needs to safely remove and store the delicate objects in them so they can be displayed for future generations to discover. The team has spent the past several months working with consultants to train and equip themselves for the task.
While these galleries will be closed until renovations are complete, some objects will be integrated into our upcoming exhibitions. Our mountain lion, black bear, white-tail deer, and coyote are on display in Gallery 204 along with several of our mounted taxidermy pieces. So never fear – the animals of Berkshire Backyard will be back and better than ever!
Features: Wheelchair-accessible counter • Wheelchairs and wheelchair storage for visitor use • Seating area by windows • Self-check coat racks
Features: Multi-function space • Can host theater performances, films, and lectures • Space for dinners or receptions
Features: History and background on the museum and the community • Donor wall • Timeline of key events in Pittsfield/Berkshire County
Features: Interdisciplinary space - cases linked thematically • Walk-through displays • Interactives, i.e. openable drawers • Rotating displays throughout the year
Features: Rocks, minerals, and paleontological collection on display • The return of the ''dark room'' for luminescent minerals and nocturnal animals
Features: Original Jonas Studio dioramas cleaned and maintained • New LED lighting changes from day to night with dioramas • Ceiling display with stars changes with time of day lighting in dioramas • Interactive station in center of gallery
Features: Combination of taxidermy, wall displays, and projected landscapes • Includes a''human-scale diorama''; walk-in, 360 degree projection with immersive sound and lighting • Projected landscapes and displays can be changed for different exhibitions or events
Features: Designated spot for families to take a break • Children's library • Interactives, i.e. mechanical toys and puzzles
Features: Visual merchandising • Open view into shop from front hall
Features: Possibility for vending machines, self-service dining • Bench seating along wall with four tables and chairs
Features: Seating for 20 at table, w/ overflow around perimeter • Kitchenette with shelving and storage • AV equipment and IT connectivity for presentations • Telecoms equipped
Features: Central location • Water projection on floor • Hands-on interaction area with animals • Introduction of moon jellies • # of species housed increased: 100 -> 250 • Square footage increased: 907 sq. ft. -> 1,988 sq. ft. (w/1,524 sq. ft. behind-the-scenes support space)
RENDERINGS
These renderings, provided by our designer StudioHAU, provide an idea of how our exciting new spaces will look.
Established in 2016, StudioHAU is a design and research office that integrates sustainable architecture, urbanism, and space. Led by Yo Hakomori, the firm creates environmentally responsive designs that enhance the symbiosis between buildings and natural forces, aiming to inspire social interaction and personal reflection.
These images are current as of April 2024. They are subject to change, and do not include all details such as wall colors or furniture choices.
PRESS
“Berkshire Museum takes its Collection to the Community in 2025, will Offer New Experiences During Construction.” Press Release. December 3, 2024.