Art comes down to earth

Some might take for granted the sparkling condition of what's above and around it all - a historic building whose details by famed architectural sculptor Lee Lawrie have been restored by Philadelphia's Kelly/Maiello Architects & Planners. Among the more impressive elements are an entirely new deep red glazed-clay roof, replicated after analyzing an original roof tile that had been protected from the elements; restoration of the highly decorated window panels and the light pylons at the main entrance; and substantial marble, brick, terra cotta and masonry work.

The art deco masterpiece was acquired for the museum's expansion in 2000 after several opportunities to buy it before had come and gone, said d'Harnoncourt, who talks about this moment in the museum's history as destiny.

She likes to point out resonances between the main building and the Perelman - marble from the same quarries used in both, design elements they have in common, and the fact that the main entrance of the annex aligns with an entrance to the main building the Art Museum plans to open up in the future.

When will that happen? How can visitors negotiate the frightful, Pac-Manesque obstacle course from the main building to the Perelman? These are logistical problems that will have to be worked out over time.

D'Harnoncourt prefers to think about which sculpture is moving in, how the art looks, and what shows will highlight parts of the museum's collection that, until this month, it has not had the space to feature.

Exhibitions will rotate frequently, giving the museum potentialities for flexibility in its offerings. If the museum buys a Joseph Beuys, Kate Javens or Renoir in summer, an acquisition could be on exhibit by fall. New display possibilities abound.

Says d'Harnoncourt excitedly: "It's like having an extraordinary new set of instruments on which the art plays."

To see video of the new costume and textiles department, go to: http://go.philly.com/costume

For highlights of the five inaugural exhibitions, go to: http://go.philly.com/exhibitions

For a timeline, go to: http://go.philly.com/timeline

View a slideshow of preparations for the Perelman's opening at:

Where the Money's Coming From

Fund-raising for the Perelman annex continues; the Philadelphia Museum of Art still needs $20 million to $25 million to reach its $90 million goal.

The following pledges have been made public: $15 million from Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman, $5 million from Dorrance Hill Hamilton, and $1 million from Bernard and Joan Spain - all gifts that have conferred on their givers the naming of spaces. The museum has declined to identify other sources of funding.

Among the naming opportunities still available are the large Exhibition Gallery alongside Pennsylvania Avenue and the Skylit Galleria between the old insurance building and the new structure, the museum says.

Another potential aspect of the building looking for support is a lighted sign or piece of light sculpture that would go atop the main entrance. Such a work would probably cost between $800,000 and $1 million, a museum official said.

"It's an intriguing concept and it's under review," a spokesman said.