Inside the Design: A Conversation about the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism
Centerbrook transformed a former rehabilitation facility along the Pawcatuck River into the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism, reimagining the building and site to showcase the nation’s largest private collection of American Impressionist art. The 20,000-square-foot waterfront project intertwines art, landscape, and a deep respect for place, demonstrating how architecture can influence the way a museum is not only seen, but experienced.
We sat down with Justin Hedde, the architect behind the design, to explore the ideas and inspirations that shaped the project.
How do the gallery windows enhance the experience of the Impressionist collection?
“The gallery windows are designed to frame views of the surrounding river and landscape, creating a series of living paintings that echo the Impressionist works inside. These carefully composed vistas bring the outside in, offering moments of stillness and natural beauty that shift with the light and seasons — just like the art on display.”
In what ways does the building reflect its waterfront setting?
“The museum draws inspiration from its riverside location through both color and form. Nautical blue siding and soft gray metal roofs reference classic maritime architecture, while the vertical rhythm of the battens on the exterior evokes both water patterns and sails. Inside, acoustic sails in the main gallery not only improve sound quality but also echo the graceful curves of boat rigging, tying the interior experience back to the waterfront theme.”
What’s the story behind the building’s transformation from a rehab facility to a museum?
“The building underwent a remarkable transformation led by Centerbrook, evolving from a mid-20th-century rehab facility into a vibrant cultural destination. What was once a site dominated by asphalt and institutional character has been reimagined with meadow grasses, open gallery wings, and refined materials. The renovation honors the spirit of Impressionism — light, nature, and atmosphere — while creating a serene, welcoming place for art and community along the Pawcatuck River.”
The Westerly Museum is far more than an adaptive reuse — it’s a dialogue between art and nature, old and new, interior and exterior. And it’s a dialogue we’re proud to have helped bring to life.
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