On October 16, Frank Gehry’s new restaurant Stir opened at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Operated by the Constellation Culinary Group, the restaurant is Gehry’s only project on the East Coast to offer fine dining to the public.
Inside Stir, guests find a warm and intimate setting where Gehry’s distinctive architectural style has been infused through materials like onyx, frosted glass, steel, leather, felt, and bronze. Throughout the restaurant, seating and tables by Gehry Partners create a comfortable spot to enjoy the open kitchen and watch the staff at work, and admire the nest-like Douglas fir sculpture at the center of the establishment’s ceiling.
Stir, the new full-service dining facility at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Designed by Gehry Partners
Photo by Jeffrey Totaro
Courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art.
On the menu is a selection of seasonal and local dishes like Kennett Square Wild Mushroom Frittata, farm-fresh corn bisque, and handmade torn pasta. Stir is not only a beautiful contemporary setting, but a culinary destination for more than just museumgoers to enjoy a fine meal.
“Here is the Stir menu in two words—local and inspired. Whether stopping in for brunch or lunch, we expect that our guests will be delighted with our curated culinary offerings,” said Mark Tropea, Stir’s Executive Chef.
Photo by Steve Legato Photography.
Stir is complemented by The Café, a 160-seat cafeteria-style eatery and an espresso bar, part of the museum’s Core Project renovation headed by Gehry. The ongoing major project will transform the 1928 museum building over the course of the next few years.
“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,” said Gail Harrity, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “We are delighted that in designing our dining facilities, Frank Gehry and his team have surpassed our expectations.”
Mark Tropea, Executive Chef of Stir Image courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2018.
