South Street Seaport Museum

Photos by Richard Bowditch

2025
Marvel
new york, ny

6,000 GSF renovation

museums & galleries, Exhibitions

The restoration of the South Street Seaport Museum responded to critical infrastructure challenges and a broader vision to revive the museum as a vibrant cultural landmark. The 1868 A.A. Thomson & Co. building had sustained extensive damage over time, with Superstorm Sandy highlighting major structural vulnerabilities.

To mark the museum’s reopening, Marvel designed the inaugural exhibition with lighting by Renfro Design Group. Spanning three floors, the exhibition traces New York City’s development as a global maritime center. Integrated case lighting thoughtfully illuminates 540 artifacts from the museum’s extensive collection, enhancing both visibility and storytelling throughout the space.