The Princeton University Art Museum will have office and gallery space in the historic Bainbridge House on Nassau Street starting next year, as the 18th century building that predates the founding of the nation welcomes its next occupant.
The university, the owner of the site since 1877, intends to renovate the building. Plans call for turning the second and third floors into offices for museum staff, while the first floor would have “gallery and gathering spaces,” Princeton spokesman Michael E. Hotchkiss said. He said art would be displayed there.
“Multiple installations and/or exhibitions that will be open to the public will be planned annually for the gallery space,” he said.
The building has been vacant since its most recent occupant, the Historical Society of Princeton, left at the end of 2015 and relocated to Quaker Road.
“Construction work will commence after receiving the necessary approvals and permits,” Hotchkiss said. “Pending receipt of those approvals, the university hopes to have the building ready for occupancy and use by the art museum staff by early 2019.”
One step along that process involves getting approval from the municipal Princeton Historic Preservation Commission for exterior renovations, which include changing the pattern of the windows. A hearing before the commission began July 16 and was continued until Aug. 20.
The Bainbridge House was built in 1766 by Job Stockton, a local tanner who lived there, according to the historical society. It was named after William Bainbridge, who was born in the house and served in the U.S. Navy, including during the War of 1812.
In more recent times, the Bainbridge House was the home of the Princeton Public Library, from 1910 to 1967, and then of the historical society, from 1967 to December 2015, said Eve Mandel, director of programs and visitor services at the historical society.
Initially, the university intended to start construction in 2016 and have the renovated building ready the following year; a schedule that went by the wayside. Nassau Hall sought to explain why the building has been vacant for more than two-and-a-half years.
“Upon the departure of the historical society, the university facilities team needed to take time to evaluate the Bainbridge House systems and structure to make appropriate plans for the restoration work and then engage the services of architects and engineers for the project,” Hotchkiss said.
“The university is addressing multiple restoration issues in this project, including roof, windows and accessibility. The university has already engaged the services of MBB, an architectural firm based in New York City with extensive historic restoration experience to lead the planning effort,” he said.
Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert said on July 16 that she welcomed the building being an “outpost” of the art museum, a place she called “a treasure for our community.”
“I don’t know what their specific plans (are) yet,” she said. “But I think it was supposed to be more of a presence, because the art museum is a big draw. But since it’s way in the middle of campus, sometimes it’s hard for people to find their way there.”
The Princeton University Art Museum offers free admission. Among its collections are works by the likes of Manet, Monet and van Gogh.
“We know the museum will have the utmost respect for this fabulous historic structure and we love that the building will continue to be open to the public,” said Izzy Kasdin, executive director of the Historical Society. “The Art Museum is a steadfast advocate for education and stewardship and we know they will continue to bring Bainbridge House’s many stories to life for the Princeton community.”
