Shaker Museum's New Leader Announced: Claudia Gould Overseeing Operations in Upstate New York
Shaker Museum Undergoes Transformative Rebirth with New Flagship Space
The Shaker Museum in Chatham, New York, is undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of a new $30 million flagship space. Designed by Selldorf Architects, the renowned firm behind the acclaimed Frick Collection and LUMA Arles, the new building aims to anchor downtown Chatham and reflect the Shaker ideals while showcasing highlights from the museum's extensive 18,000-object collection.
The new building will provide public spaces for education, engagement, and cultural dialogue, elevating the museum's status in New York State's cultural landscape. Claudia Gould, the museum's newly appointed Executive Director, is leading this transformative era, guiding the museum’s expansion and its efforts to deepen public understanding of Shaker history, design influence, and social culture.
Gould brings a wealth of experience to the Shaker Museum, having previously directed the Jewish Museum and overseen a large-scale renovation. Her career trajectory to the Shaker Museum is seen as a natural progression due to her passion for design and architecture. Gould aims to bring her sensibility at the intersection of design, architecture, and other fields to the Shaker Museum, moving it forward without losing sight of its mission.
Gould is excited about the opportunity to build the Shaker Museum from the ground up. Under her leadership, the museum will evolve into a contemporary cultural hub that honours Shaker heritage while engaging new audiences through innovative exhibitions and education programs. The Shaker Museum, with its one of the world's most significant collections of Shaker material culture, will continue to shine a light on the Shakers' unique history, beliefs, and contributions to design and culture.
The Shakers, a Christian sect that originated in England during the 18th century, spread from England to the United States. Known for their communal living, celibacy practices, gender and racial equality, spare architecture, music, and furniture, the Shakers made a lasting impact on American society. This impact will now be showcased in the museum's new flagship space, designed by Selldorf Architects.
With Gould at the helm, the Shaker Museum is poised for growth in visibility and impact. The museum's transformation is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Shaker legacy and the power of design and architecture to bring communities together and preserve cultural heritage.
- The new flagship space of the Shaker Museum, designed by Selldorf Architects, will not only showcase the Shakers' unique art and interior-design influences but also serve as a hub for public engagement, advocating for a better understanding of Shaker lifestyle and home-and-garden practices.
- Claudia Gould, with her background in design and architecture, aims to guide the Shaker Museum's rebirth by merging art, design, and culture, creating an innovative environment that bridges the gap between the Shakers' historical significance and contemporary relevance.
- The Shaker Museum's renovation, led by Claudia Gould, will attempt to balance tradition and modernity, ensuring that the museum's new flagship space not only reflects the Shaker ideals but also engages new audiences through cutting-edge exhibitions and education programs.
