THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Gallery Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Plant Design

Location: New York, NY
Size: 250,000 square feet
Project Type: Modernization of Gallery HVAC

The gallery air conditioning project represents one of the major infrastructure upgrades Jeffrey Berman Architect has undertaken for the American Museum of Natural History. The scope of this project included air-conditioning 20 of The Museum’s major public galleries with minimal disruption. Akeley Hall posed a particular challenge as it required scaffolding over both the Hall’s mezzanine level and its prominent elephant display in order to cut holes in the existing 36” girders while the Hall remained open during construction. JBA restored the ceiling to its original coffered beam arrangement with an acoustical upgrade.

Work included removing the coal-fired boiler plant to make space for a 250-ton refrigeration plant and installation of chilled water loops, including building risers, in the landmark Museum buildings. Siting of equipment in galleries and vapor barrier and insulation issues were particularly challenging.