Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium was designed to serve its role as the most prominent institution in the Park. 

Providence architects Martin and Hall used a grand French Chateau style, and the building’s striking yellow brick façade on this prominent hillside to inspire visitors to what was originally to be an art museum. The north (left) wing was added to the Museum in 1915 with the same architects. The building has received extensive investment and restoration in the last five years. Exterior envelope renovations recently included window repairs, masonry work, and painting. The intricate deconstruction, stabilization and reassembly of a terracotta dormer required a detailed and systematic process of meticulous documentation and preservation. Interior work included repair to water-damaged plaster, windows, and architectural millwork. Today there are plans for additional repairs and improvements to this grand building. Watch this space!

Museum of Natural History & Planetarium