How often does it occur that two neighboring art museums reinvent themselves at the same time with the same architect?

Not very often. In a recent discussion between Tom Lentz, Harvard Art Museums’ Elizabeth and John Moors Cabot Director, and Anne Hawley, Norma Jean Calderwood Director at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, shared their experiences working with renowned architect Renzo Piano on the renovation and expansion of their historic institutions. The Fellows of the Harvard Art Museums gathered in the Gardner’s glorious new theater to listen to the directors speak candidly about their respective building projects.