Abbe Museum

The restored shingle-style façade facing Mount Desert Street, a half block from downtown Bar Harbor's Village Green

Image Courtesy of Peter Vanderwalker and Schwartz|Silver Architects

The new gallery (left) compliments the existing building, while the new Circle of Four Directions integrates Wabanaki forms and patterns with a shingle-style material palette

Image Courtesy of Schwartz|Silver Architects

Natural materials and daylighting enliven the interior of the Circle of Four Directions

Image Courtesy of Schwartz|Silver Architects

The museum's education programs occupy the lower level of the Circle of 4 Directions. Ash finishes inspired by Wabanaki's basket-making tradition. Linoleum flooring is sustainable & easy-to-clean.

Image Courtesy of Peter Vanderwalker and Schwartz|Silver Architects

The circle of Four Directions under construction

Image Courtesy of Schwartz|Silver Architects

The museum lobby inside the renovated portion of the facility

Image Courtesy of Peter Vanderwalker and Schwartz|Silver Architects

Exhibits within the controlled environment of the new museum gallery.

Image Courtesy of Peter Vanderwalker and Schwartz|Silver Architects

Site plan illustrating the disposition of museum facilities.

Image Courtesy of Schwartz|Silver Architects

Photograph of the historic structure in use as the community's YMCA

Image Courtesy of Schwartz|Silver Architects

Mount Desert Island Rehab

The Abbe Museum, in Bar Harbor, Maine, tells the story of the American Indian Wabanaki tribes who populated the northeastern United States. Located in a prominent Shingle-style building on the town green, the Museum’s new facility includes galleries and archives, staff offices, a gift shop, educational space, and special events space.

The project consists of a comprehensive renovation to the historic building, as well as a prominent addition that respects the massing, scale, and materiality of the existing building. A ceremonial Circle of the Four Directions, symbolizes the Wabanaki building tradition and honors the Wabanaki craft of woven ash basketry.

Architect of Record VMDO Architects | Steve Davis, with Schwartz/Silver Architects

Abbe Museum

Abbe Museum

Mount Desert Island Rehab

26 Mount Desert Street

Very Walkable

Project Facts

12,000 GSF

Completed 2001

Energy Use: Not Available

108 South First Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

phone: 434 962 7241

email: davis@thrive-architecture.com

© 2016 thrive architecture

site: Brightworks Studio

Abbe Museum

Abbe Museum

Mount Desert Island Rehab

26 Mount Desert Street

Very Walkable

Project Facts

12,000 GSF

Completed 2001

Energy Use: Not Available

108 South First Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902phone: 434 962 7241email: davis@thrive-architecture.com

108 South First Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

phone: 434 962 7241

email: davis@thrive-architecture.com