Boston Group Fights Addition to Historic Museum

The Boston Redevelopment Authority board has unanimously approved a major addition to the city’s famous Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — also known as “the Palace” — but one group of Mission Hill residents says that the renovation may violate conditions of Ms. Gardner’s will, reports The Boston Globe.

Although the Fenway Alliance, a group of more than 20 institutions, has endorsed the addition — designed by architect Renzo Piano — the Friends of Historic Mission Hill group wants the Boston Landmarks Commission to halt some of the proposed changes, saying that Ms. Gardner’s will stipulates the preservation of the original museum.

Alison Pultinas, who has led the Mission Hill effort, explained, “We’re concerned about the scale of the project, the authenticity of the museum experience, and changes to how people experience the Palace.”

Museum director Anne Hawley says that the expansion is needed due to overcrowded working conditions for staff members and an increase in visitors.

Stephen W. Kidder, a lawyer for the museum added, “We think, in the context of the overall purpose of Mrs. Gardner’s will to create a museum for the education and enjoyment of the public forever, this is a very reasonable step to take.”