Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) announced today that four Pennsylvania-based construction firms have been awarded contracts to execute the historic $79.73 million infrastructure revitalization of The State Museum of Pennsylvania. With the contracts finalized and the multi-year transformation officially underway, the State Museum closed to the public on Sunday, August 2. This closure initiates the physical construction phase that will modernize both the visitor experience and the operational stewardship of Pennsylvania’s treasured artifacts.
"Awarding these bids marks a pivotal moment in the life of this project," said Andrea Lowery, PHMC Executive Director. "We are officially transitioning from years of careful planning into the physical work of building tomorrow's State Museum. Securing these talented Pennsylvania-based firms ensures our revitalization remains firmly on schedule, allowing us to deliver a world-class, modernized facility to the Commonwealth."
The Department of General Services has officially awarded the prime construction bids, clearing the way for the largest and most comprehensive upgrade to the complex since the museum and tower opened in 1964.
The awarded contracts include:
- General Construction: Wohlsen Construction Company (Lancaster, PA) for $43,247,053.
- HVAC: Midline Mechanical, LLC (Ephrata, PA) for $16,050,000.
- Electrical: Cyprium Solutions, Inc. (East Petersburg, PA) for $14,028,000.
- Plumbing: Jay R Reynolds, Inc. (Willow Street, PA) for $6,407,000.
To celebrate the start of renovations and give Pennsylvanians one last chance to enjoy the State Museum, PHMC held a successful community kickoff party this past weekend [PAcast] and allowed all attendees free entry.
"The energy at our Community Kickoff Party was a testament to how deeply Pennsylvanians value their shared history," said Jay Losiewicz, PHMC spokesperson. "This $79.73 million investment represents an incredible commitment to preserving our heritage in a reimagined, state-of-the-art institution that will engage and inspire future generations of visitors."
Key upgrades included in the $79.73 million project feature:
Enhanced Visitor Experience | State Museum of Pennsylvania
- Creation of a new welcome experience featuring a renovated lobby and a new introductory exhibit and media experience.
- Installation of two new 15-person passenger elevators within the museum building.
- Creation of a dynamic new event space and roof terrace on the fifth floor.
- Addition of new museum stores and improved overall visitor amenities.
Enhanced Visitor Experience | PHMC Tower
- Installation of two 15-person passenger elevators within the PHMC tower.
- Creation of an immersive educational observation level on the 16th floor of the PHMC tower.
Improved Stewardship and Preservation
- Construction of new collections storage areas featuring state-of-the-art environmental conditions and controls.
- Development of a new changing exhibit gallery designed specifically for hosting special artifact loans and traveling exhibits.
For ongoing updates on the Reimagined State Museum project and future announcements regarding reopening phases, please visit statemuseumpa.org.
About the State Museum of Pennsylvania
The State Museum of Pennsylvania is one of 23 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History.
As one of PHMC’s premier cultural institutions, The State Museum of Pennsylvania offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Located adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, the museum houses expansive natural and cultural history collections that illuminate Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in American history, the Colonial and Revolutionary eras, the Civil War, and the nation’s industrial age. The State Museum demonstrates that Pennsylvania's story is America's story.
For more information about The State Museum of Pennsylvania, visit statemuseumpa.org or follow us on Facebook and X.
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Learn more by visiting PHMC online or following us on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.