Photos: Simplicity and light of Piano’s design
The new main entrance (left) of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is on Evans Way.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
The glass corridor connecting the palace to the new wing.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
The palace seen from the central staircase.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
The upper portion is clad in corrugated pre-patinated green copper.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
The Living Room is intended for relaxation and contemplation.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
The bold double-ramp central staircase.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
The temporary exhibition gallery has an adjustable ceiling to vary its height between 12 and 36 feet.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
The Gardner Museum was able to restore the largest palace chamber, the Tapestry Room, which for decades housed concerts and lectures.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
The skylight in the Calderwood Performance Hall.
David L. Ryan/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
Soprano, Kiri Te Kanawa, right, bowed with pianist Vlad Iftinca, after her encore performance in the Calderwood Hall during the special opening preview on Jan. 12, 2012.
Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff
| January 17, 2012
