Italian architect Renzo Piano designed the new wing with the idea that he wanted to keep the life and beauty of the museum but tell a new story. There are six new reasons everyone will want to venture: the Special Exhibition Gallery, the Richard E. Floor Living Room, Café G, the restored Tapestry Room, Calderwood Hall and the Dorothy Hundley Magee Greenhouses.

The Special Exhibition Gallery will be home to the work of contemporary artists. The opening exhibit is called “Tapestry (Radio On),” which is a show of paintings and sculptures by Scottish artist Victoria Morton. The Richard E. Floor Living Room has comfortable couches and computers terminals for the general public to orient themselves to what they will see. Plus there are two caged canaries play in the first-floor space and tea will be available every afternoon. Café G will serve lunch and dinner in this new eatery that seats 69 inside and 38 on the outdoor patio.

The restored Tapestry Room brought updates focused on returning the space to its original state. The tiled floor, the stone fireplace, two tapestries and furniture vignettes around the room were all restored. With the Tapestry Room restored a permanent place was created for musical performances. Calderwood Hall can seat almost 300 people and has a three-tiered balcony that allows everyone to enjoy a front-row seat. Lastly, the new greenhouse will showcase plants being groomed for the framed courtyard rather than having all plants tended off-site.

What: Reopening With a New Wing
Where: Gardner Museum
When: www.gardnermuseum.org

Recommended Hotel: Best Western Plus Boston