It’s no surprise that the Philadelphia Museum of Art is planning a new restaurant that is itself a work of art! Stir, designed by architect Frank Gehry and operated by Starr Catering Group will open on October 9, 2018. This will be the only Gehry-designed fine-dining restaurant on the East Coast.
At the center of the restaurant lies its centerpiece: a striking, flowing sculptural form, shaped in Douglas fir, that extends across the ceiling above the main dining room. Gehry’s architectural style is prevalent in the Museum’s public spaces; the architect has been transforming portions of the Museum’s interior through the Core Project, which will be completed in 2020.
Stir’s menu will place an emphasis on seasonality and local sourcing. The dining room will offer seating for 76 guests (seats and tables designed by Gehry Partners), and exude a warm and inviting ambiance, thanks to the Douglas fir on the walls and ceiling and the red oak across the floor. A partially open kitchen will provide a glimpse of the staff at work.
Mark Tropea, Stir’s newly-appointed Executive Chef, says: “Whether stopping in for brunch or lunch, we expect that our guests will be delighted with our curated culinary offerings — from small plates that include roasted Jersey peaches, seared Barnegat scallops and a farm-fresh corn bisque, to main dishes like a dry-aged Farm Stand Burger topped with Lancaster cheddar, Kennett Square wild mushroom frittata and handmade torn pasta bursting with regional flavors. The beverage menu features a variety of signature mixed drinks, wines by the bottle and glass and a refreshing selection of local beers.”
Next to Stir will be a new cafeteria with seating for 160 guests and windows with views of the East Terrace and its garden on one side, and across the Schuylkill River to West Philadelphia on the other. Artisanal sandwiches, a seasonal rotation of salads, brick-oven pizza and specialty coffee will be on the menu at this fast-casual dining option. Then, in early 2019, a new espresso bar, offering coffee and pastries, will open in the vaulted walkway in the Museum’s north entrance, which is being made open to the public for the first time since the mid-1970s.
Gail Harrity, president and chief operating officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, said, “As we envision the future visitor experience, we are delighted to be developing these exciting new dining options—for people who want a wonderful fine dining experience, for families with children looking for casual dining with lots of options, for people who are connecting with their friends over great coffee in an amazing space. We are delighted that in designing our dining facilities, Frank Gehry and his team have surpassed our expectations. We look forward to welcoming our visitors to these new spaces in just a few months.”
Once open, Stir will offer lunch service, Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m., and brunch on Sunday from 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Want to be one of the first to check it out? Reservations start October 8; call (215) 684-7990.
Find the Philadelphia Museum of Art at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. in Philadelphia; phone: (215) 763-8100.
