Eva Jiricna crafts a spectacular glass staircase for the new Tiffany Gallery at New York’s Historical Society Museum

Photos
Corrado Serra

Eva Jiricna’s new Tiffany Gallery at the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library provides a dedicated setting for its collection of more than 100 historic lamps. The 4,800-square-foot Gallery of Tiffany Lamps, arranged on two levels and centred on a glass staircase, is Eva Jiricna Architects’ first project for a New York museum. EJA and lighting designer DPA made many studies and mock-ups in designing the staircase, which integrates linear LED lighting in the treads and supporting fins. EJA also designed curved freestanding and perimeter glass showcases which employ fibre-optic spotlights and various LED sources. 

The accompanying story of lamp-making at Tiffany Studios highlights the role of head designer Clara Driscoll and the often-uncredited ‘Tiffany Girls’ who worked in the ‘Women’s Glass Cutting Department’, linking New-York Historical’s permanent collection with its new Center for Women’s History. The gallery also features displays highlighting other aspects of the city’s history, from slavery and the Hudson River School of artists to 9/11, as well as Tiffany & Co’s jewellery and silver creations. The Robert H Smith Family Skylight Gallery, also by EJA, provides visitors lounge space where beneath an original skylight that has been restored.

Credits