‘Back to its original glory’: $17.8 million Fisher Fine Arts Library renovation to conclude in late 2026

Penn’s $17.8 million renovation of Fisher Fine Arts Library is scheduled to be finished by winter 2026, according to University officials. 

The building restoration — which began in spring 2025 — aims to restore the library to how it looked when it was “first built,” according to Penn’s Facilities and Real Estate Services Executive Director Chris Kern. The design plan has included extensive construction work and scaffolding around the building this semester.

“The beauty of these historic restoration projects is that the intent is that nobody notices we actually did the work when we’re finished,” Kern said. “All the stone choices and design decisions are about being respectful to the architecture, the craftsmanship of the original building, and trying to restore it back to its original glory.”

The majority of the renovation work is focused around mitigation and repairs of past damages to the building, University architect Mark Kocent told The Daily Pennsylvanian. He noted that the project includes roofing, waterproofing, and window restoration work, all of which will be applicable to the large stained glass lunette window over the main entrance that “may not be as apparent.”

Kocent explained that Fisher Fine Arts Library was Penn’s main library before Van Pelt Library was built. It was built in 1891 by architect Frank Furness — who also designed the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. It was later designated a national historic landmark in 1985. 

“It’s probably one of the most important pieces of architecture that [architect] Frank Furness did,” Kocent said. “We place high value and continue to monitor its conditions.”

Throughout the masonry restoration of the library, a key challenge has been balancing the normal functions of Fisher Fine Arts with the noise of the renovation work outside.

“If there is an activity that a worker happens to be doing on that scaffolding outside of a window or next to a study area, there’s a very quick reporting mechanism in place,” Kocent said. “It’s a testament to our great working relationship. The library staff has the ability to call the contractors and they can shift their work to another area that isn’t as impactful.”

Kocent added that more scaffolding will be installed along 34th Street, which he described as “necessary to safely reach every area.”

As construction pushes into winter, the team will further take into account the timeline’s weather-dependency.

“Freezing temperatures aren’t conducive to the addition of mortar, mixes, and cleaning of stone with water,” Kern said. “Some of these activities may pause in the winter timeframe, but this is built into the schedule.”

Across Penn’s campus, there has been a number of other renovation efforts, including updates to the Quad and 1920 Commons.

“It’s fun to build new buildings, but you also have to be equally responsible for reinvesting in existing historic buildings,” Kocent said.