The Gardner Museum has reopened. It's unique and beautiful. It was always beautiful, if not a bit dull. After all, how interesting can a museum be whose founder insisted that nothing ever change? Change it did not suffer; the unfortunate events of 1990 notwithstanding. We must all accept that change is the only true constant and that eventually change would come to the Gardner as well. The new wing is a change for the museum and an interesting albeit imperfect addition to the staid, somewhat dour (the impressive venetian palazzo courtyard excepted) atmosphere of the Gardner. I must concede that the new contemporary Calderwood Hall concert space is a gem. This is theatre in the round for music performance. While not completely novel, this particular construct having been replicated in many places around the country (see nearby music building at St. Paul's School Concord, NH), the height and single row seating of the new auditorium are particularly striking. Truly, every seat in the house will be involved in all the nuances of the performer's mien. On the down side, this new space replaces an equally impressive and individual space for performance already existing at the Gardner: The Tapestry Room. While the new hall is wonderful, it is more similar than dissimilar to existing settings. At best, a zero sum game for the Gardner. At worst, the loss of a truly singular space, The Tapestry Room, whose ambient sublime tone conducive to classical performance, will not be replaced. The new cafe at the Gardner is sleek and impressive. Unfortunately it's close resemblance to the towering transparency of the nearby ICA cafe which in turn shows it's fidelity to the current architectural 'all glass' rage (see Apple Store Boston/NYC) will make for a less than singular epicurean experience. What was wrong with the old cafe? I acknowledge that it was in a spot in which maneuverability for both patron and staff was in question. However, on a warm summer day with the sides rolled up on the veranda, this was a lovely, quiet spot that placed you directly into the natural verdant setting of the museum grounds. No traffic noise and no more than a light breeze emitting from the enclosed garden setting. Are there similar spots to regale with friends; mojito in hand in this part of the city? Please don't mention the courtyard at the MFA or BPL. One being frequently overrun with field trip participants and the other too vast, cold and imposing for an intimate sup. The old cafe at the Gardner was an exclusive refuge available for the most part to museum patrons alone. It was a treasured spot and will be missed. While the overall incongruity of the new wing at the Gardner makes for a somewhat awkward experience of artwork in the city, I must acknowledge that I appreciate the ICA, MFA and Gardner expansions which reflect a public commitment to the exposition of art in the city of Boston. Perhaps the current wave of newly minted one percentites will leave us with yet anot