Photos: Simplicity and light of Piano’s design (Photo 11 of 11) - Pictures

BOSTON, MA 01 / 08 / 2012: The Isabella Stewart Gardner museum getting ready, the big run up to the opening of the Gardner's new building with Jim Labeck, the project manager. ( David L Ryan / Globe Staff Photo ) SECTION: LIFESTYLE TOPIC : REPORTER Geoff Edgers

The new main entrance (left) of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is on Evans Way.

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The glass corridor connecting the palace to the new wing.

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The palace seen from the central staircase.

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The upper portion is clad in corrugated pre-patinated green copper.

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The Living Room is intended for relaxation and contemplation.

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The bold double-ramp central staircase.

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BOSTON, MA. 12/ 09/ 2011: : NOTE: DO NOT USE MAGAZINE ONLY The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum extension and preservation project under construction and finished site. The Museum is scheduled to open January 19th, 2012 ( David L Ryan / Globe Staff Photo ) SECTION : MAGAZINE SLUG : gardnermuseum REPORTER staff

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The temporary exhibition gallery has an adjustable ceiling to vary its height between 12 and 36 feet.

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The Gardner Museum was able to restore the largest palace chamber, the Tapestry Room, which for decades housed concerts and lectures.

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BOSTON, MA. 11/ 09/ 2011: Ceiling view with Master acoustician Yashu Toyota

The skylight in the Calderwood Performance Hall.

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FOR Living. Boston, MA 1/12/2012 Soprano, Kiri Te Kanawa (cq), right, bows with pianist Vlad Iftinca (cq), after her encore performance in the Calderwood Hall at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum during the Special Opening Preview in Boston, MA on Thursday, January 12, 2012. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff) Section: Living Slug: 13hall Reporter: n/a LOID: 5.0.751077085

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 |