The Yale Peabody Museum’s transformative renovation has turned a once dark and imposing facility into a vibrant, welcoming gallery that inspires and educates.

Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by an illuminated entry rotunda. Gone are the days of stylistically incorrect sconces and visible electrical conduits marring the vaulted ceiling; instead, all lights are cleverly concealed within the information kiosk.

The Great Hall, a centerpiece of the museum, demonstrates CBB’s mastery of technical challenges. The 110-foot-long fresco, “The Age of Reptiles Mural,” is brought to life by a fully recessed linear wallwasher and an illuminated reverse cove, ensuring even and perfect illumination up to the ceiling. This innovative solution features tunable white lighting that allows the museum to tailor the lighting to its needs. The new laylight system, designed to mimic the original skylights, further enriches the lighting experience. Given the constraints of massive, immovable exhibits and restricted maintenance access, our team designed a lighting system that is accessible from only one end of each bay. This ensures ease of maintenance without compromising the aesthetic. Extensive mockups and computer studies validated the efficacy of this design.

The renovation also reestablished a vital connection between the exhibits and the outside environment by uncovering windows, allowing natural light to flood in, enhancing the visitor’s connection to the surrounding area. Careful daylight studies that led to the design of a shading system protect sensitive artifacts while maintaining a well-lit environment, striking a perfect balance between preservation and illumination.

The Central Gallery, a new gathering space, features a wood slot ceiling system that conceals lighting equipment. This approach aligns with our goal of seamless lighting integration into the architecture, creating an inviting and well-lit space that is both functional and beautiful.

The result of this renovation is a museum that not only exceeds expectations but also sets a new standard for sustainability, using 50% less energy than before. This project is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and innovative lighting in creating spaces that are not just functional but also deeply engaging and inspiring.