27 Feb 2026

Yale Peabody Museum Exhibit Gallery Revitalization

A museum encounter can light a torch for a visitor, inspiring them into new fields of study, introducing them to strange new worlds, and even changing the course of their life. The Yale Peabody Museum has a legacy of creating moments exactly like this.

Finalist in category: LEARN

Interior Designer: Cathy Lazo, ARIDO
Design Firm: Reich&Petch

Photographer: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO & PeterAaron/OTTO

Central hall with lounge seating, it has tall ceiling with a skylight above underwhich a skeleton of a dinosaur hangs. Exposed brick is visible in the walls in contrast to modern, updated parts

Tasked with the daunting project of re-imagining the museum, while building upon its essential DNA, our design vision was to create an environment that facilitates flashpoint experiences and establishes a community of learners who advance knowledge together.

Our design was also deeply informed by the neogothic heritage architecture of the building. Clean lines and wide-open spaces allow appreciation of the existing architecture, using the soaring interior height of the spaces to create sightlines and punctuation in the visitor experience. Existing features, like the original large windows and brick walls were incorporated into the design, with display systems enhancing their presence.

A woman looking at a display on the wall showcasing fossils on a blue/gray coloured wall and some tactile pieces on display

Galleries have been re-imagined as airy, continuously connected spaces enabling self-directed and flexible circulation patterns, with ample social and gathering spaces to congregate and instruct within the exhibits themselves, including integrated classroom spaces. Floor plans have been revised allowing for groups to congregate and examine collections socially, to the benefit of both informal visitor groups as well as formal educational classes and programs.

Integrated classroom space with people sitting around a large table and listening to an instructor. The room is full of fosills on all walls in glass dispay boxes

A gallery space with colourful imagery around on the walls encased in wooden framed glass boxes. In the centre of the room is a tall square display glass box with greenery inside, and people standing aronud it

As part of an institution-wide commitment to accessibility, touchable models of objects, tactile keypads for media interactives, and 3D graphics have been incorporated throughout the galleries. This increased accessibility allows for the formation of connections and creation of knowledge from many different types of learners, at many levels.

Text by: Cathy Lazo, ARIDO

Connect with us