We are pleased to reveal the plans of the new design of the landscape surrounding the J. Pierpont Morgan Library. Developed by landscape designer Todd Longstaffe-Gowan and lighting designer Linnaea Tillett Lighting Design Associates, the design will enhance the building and surrounding landscape of the southern section of the Morgan’s campus as it adds new functional space for visitors to enjoy. This component of our $12.5 million renovation project will allow for the building to be seen in a new light!
Todd Longstraffe-Gowan created a landscape design that will transform the once standard lawn into a new, inviting space for programs, events, and circulation. New accessible paths made from patterned bluestone nod to the interior floor patterns and facilitate access between the interior of the building and the garden. Antiquities from the museum’s holdings including a large Roman sarcophagus, a Roman funerary stele, and a pair of Renaissance corbels will be integrated into the garden providing interest to the garden as they expand access to the museum’s collection. The design will contribute to the beauty of the public streetscape as it complements the architecture with unobstructed views of our buildings on 36th street.
Linnea Tillett Lighting Design Associates have designed a lighting scheme in conjunction with the landscape design to distinguish features of the architecture and garden. The enchanting, moonlit nocturnal environment they are developing will sit in contrast to and mediate the ambient street lighting with no trespass to neighboring buildings. The warm, welcoming glow will emphasize the domestic quality of the architecture as harken to a past history—J. Pierpoint Morgan’s residence was the first residence in the city with electric lights.
Lead sponsorship provided by the Charina Endowment Fund, Inc., Sherman Fairchild Foundation, Inc., Morgan Stanley, Katharine J. Rayner, Mrs. Oscar de la Renta, The Thompson Family Foundation, Inc., and public funds from the City of New York through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, with support from Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and Council Member Keith Powers.