Marking the most significant expansion since its founding in 1910, Woodmere announces the grand opening of its second location, an ambitious transformation of a 19th-century residence into a dynamic, 20th-century museum. Opening to the public this fall, the expansion adds 14 new galleries, a childrens art and education studio, and new public spaces for events and programs, encompassing 17,000 square-feet of interior space and four additional acres of preserved greenspace. Just 70 steps from Woodmeres original Charles Knox Smith Hall, Maguire Hall extends the museums mission to celebrate Philadelphias artists by showcasing previously stored and newly acquired artworks. Highlights include galleries dedicated to Philadelphias distinctive schools of American Impressionism, modernism, mid-century abstraction, and figurative realism; a new vault for the citys historic jewelry arts; series by Violet Oakley and the Red Rose Girls; and a study-center and galleries for works on paper. The two buildings are now enhanced by a newly designed art trail, weaving through sculpture installations and immersive art + nature garden experiences, known as WOW (Woodmeres Outdoor Wonder). Among the highlights are two major works by Robinson Fredenthal, White Water 1977 and On the Rocks, 1978, continuing Woodmeres ongoing dedication to create an inspiring environment where art, nature, and community converge. Nestled in Philadelphias Chestnut Hill neighborhood, Woodmere, now comprised of the original Charles Knox Smith Hall site and the new Frances M. Maguire Hall for Art and Education expansion, offers a unique museum experience that centers on the art and artists of Philadelphia. Vibrant exhibitions explore the achievements and social ideas of the citys artists in the broader context of American art. With the opening of Maguire Hall, Woodmere affirms its position as a must-see destination for art and nature for both local and international audiences. This expansion is made possible through a lead gift from the Maguire Foundation, in honor of the late Frances M. Maguire, an artist and philanthropist who served on Woodmeres board of trustees. The opening of Frances M. Maguire Hall represents a transformation of Woodmere, solidifying its contribution to the broader stream of American art with its superlative collection of Philadelphias art. Fourteen new galleries make for an exponential expansion of our ability to showcase our collection, weaving together the vivid tapestry of American history and the diverse voices of Philadelphias artists, stated William R. Valerio, Ph.D., The Patricia Van Burgh Allison Director and CEO of Woodmere. Our architectural and curatorial decisions were inspired by the spirit of our dear friend, artist and philanthropist Frances M. Maguire, whose belief in the mind-opening power of the arts knew no limits. We wanted to create unified grounds where art, nature, and community come together, honoring Philadelphias artistic legacy while offering new ways to engage with it. Frances M. Maguire Hall Building History In 2021, Woodmere acquired St. Michaels Hall, a 19th-century residence building formerly belonging to the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The sisters had initially used the mansion as a dormitory for students but then converted it into a residence for themselves for most of the period of their ownership. With an outpouring of community support and contributions from individuals across Philadelphia, Woodmere purchased the estate and endowed its maintenance, renaming the residence Frances M. Maguire Hall for Art and Education. In purchasing the estate, Woodmere prevented commercial development of the site. The museum also preserved the open greenspace and addressed the environmental imperatives associated with its location at the center of the Wissahickon Watershed. The Maguire Foundations lead gift on this remarkable project generated a groundswell of support from donors and other foundations that allowed us to fully fund the building and its renovation.Dr. Valerio had an exciting vision to put our collection on display in a whole new way, and our only debt is one of gratitude to those who made this possible, commented James Alexandre, Woodmeres Board of Trustees President. This project completely changes the ability for student groups, visitors, and scholars to access one of the great collections of American art and Philadelphia artists. Works by Violet Oakley, the Pennsylvania Impressionists, contemporary artists, and much more can now be on permanent display. The building and grounds remain dedicated to Woodmeres founders intention of the marriage of art and nature. With that in mind, Woodmere chose highly qualified landscape architects in addition to the building architects. Matthew Baird Architects of New York City and Mount Desert Island, Maine, was the lead architect for the Frances M. Maguire Hall project. The firm, known widely for its arts and residential commissions, worked with Woodmere for several years on master planning; Baird worked in partnership with Krieger + Associates Architects and Andropogon Landscape Architects, as well as Sullivan Construction, and Aegis Property Group. The landscape architects, Andropogon Associates, have developed a landscape that includes pedestrian accessibility and greater biodiversity. Andropogon Associates is an award-winning, MBE-certified landscape architecture and ecological planning firm with offices in both Philadelphia, and Raleigh, N.C. Andropogon is grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Woodmeres Maguire Hall team for the preservation of this significant property within the Wissahickon Watershed, to enhance its biodiversity and access for the education and enjoyment of the community and public at large, added Jos Almiana of Principal Andropogon Associates. It has been a great honor to help save this historic house and landscape, and to reimagine it with Woodmere as a place for art and education, contributed Matthew Baird, FAIA, Principal of Baird Architects. The acquisition and renovation of St. Michaels Hall by Woodmere is a monumental achievement made possible by the museums director, Bill Valerio, the Woodmere board, and donors. Without their vision, the historic 19th-century building would likely have been demolished, and the extensive open space developed. The preservation of the building and grounds provides multigenerational benefits to the museum, Chestnut Hill, and surrounding neighborhoods. We are thrilled to be a part of this transformative project,said Jeff Krieger, President of Krieger + Associates, Architects. Collection The core of Woodmeres collection is the gift of Charles Knox Smith (1845 1916). Born of modest means, Smith built his fortune in the mining industry, and he became a city leader and passionate art collector. In 1898, he purchased the Woodmere estate, now known as Charles Knox Smith Hall, with the grand ambition of creating a museum of the fine arts immersed in the green beauty of Chestnut Hill. He expanded and transformed his home into a showcase for his art collection as a gift to the people of Philadelphia. Smith focused much of his collecting on Philadelphias artists, but his Hudson River paintings remain on view and are considered the best in Philadelphia to this day. For almost 40 years up to 1978, the artist Edith Emerson was Woodmeres director, and she established a focus on women artists, especially collecting those in the circle of her life partner, Violet Oakley. Woodmeres original Charles Knox Smith Hall building will continue to be the location for galleries of 19th-century art (including Woodmeres collection of Hudson River paintings), special exhibitions, childrens art, and the museums store and staff offices. Throughout the year, Woodmere offers family events, tours, gallery talks, lectures, panel discussions, studio art classes, film, and music performances. The Charles Knox Smith Hall is located at 9201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. The Frances M. Maguire Hall address is 9001 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Current admission is $10, admission is always free of charge on Sunday. For more information, visit www.woodmereartmuseum.org.