Major climate control project aims to protect Pennsylvania’s maritime history; galleries to remain open by donation through December 2026
The Erie Maritime Museum today announced a major climate control and HVAC modernization project, beginning in early September 2026. To accommodate these vital infrastructure upgrades and ensure the continued safety of the Commonwealth’s historic collections, the museum will temporarily transition to a “Pay As You Wish” admission model beginning Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Contractors are scheduled to begin the facility-wide HVAC upgrades immediately following Labor Day. To protect the museum’s most sensitive objects from potential construction dust and temperature fluctuations, curators are carefully removing approximately 50 artifacts from the public galleries and relocating them to secure, climate-controlled collections storage.
Among the items temporarily taken off exhibit is the iconic Julian O. Davidson oil painting of the Battle of Lake Erie, widely considered one of the most important artifacts in the museum’s collection and a cornerstone of U.S. Navy history.
“This HVAC upgrade and modernization project is a significant investment in the future of the Erie Maritime Museum and the preservation of Pennsylvania’s rich naval history,” said James Hall, Site Administrator. “While our galleries will look a bit different over the next few months, protecting these artifacts for future generations is our highest priority. The transition to a ‘Pay As You Wish’ model allows us to keep our doors open to the community and remain a vibrant waterfront destination while this critical work is completed.”
Because visitors will not be receiving the standard, full-gallery experience while artifacts are safely stored, PHMC has authorized the “Pay As You Wish” model to ensure equitable access. Beginning August 22, guests can enjoy the museum’s remaining exhibits, public programming, and views of the U.S. Brig Niagara for a donation amount of their choosing.
While the climate control modernization project is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2027, the gallery portion of the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026 at which time artifacts will be reinstalled and the museum will return to its standard admission rates.
