The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State will open its new building at the Arboretum on June 1, 2024, the university announced Tuesday.

The $85 million construction will feature a 73,000-square-foot building, 20 galleries, a museum store and café, a Dale Chihuly installation, and more.

American glass artist Chihuly designed a 13-foot installation inspired by the Arboretum called “Lupine Blue Persian Wall.” The art will be featured at the museum’s hallmark staircase.

“The new Palmer Museum of Art will substantially boost accessibility to the University’s art collections for students, faculty, staff, our regional communities and beyond,” Palmer Museum of Art Director Erin M. Coe said. “The innovative design brings art, architecture and nature in dialogue with the diversity of works in the collection that span centuries and global cultures, offering each visitor an exceptional, enriching experience.” 

The new Palmer Museum will showcase American, European, African, and postwar modern and contemporary art from ancient and modern ceramics to contemporary studio glass. The building will house educational classrooms and research spaces, too.

The Palmer Museum is home to over 11,000 pieces of art since its inception in 1972 and reopening in 1993. Admission to the museum will remain free in its new location at the Arboretum.