The Wexler Gallery is located in a buzzing art and commerce corridor in Philadelphia’s trendy Fishtown neighborhood. DIGSAU led the renovation of a former pretzel factory into a bright, open new art gallery, maintaining the building’s original raw industrial character.
The design was a true collaboration between the gallery owners, the architectural team, and the contractor, who is also one of the artists represented by the gallery. This collaborative team chose to express the collectors’ interest in the intersection of fine art with craftsmanship by juxtaposing industrial elements with modern functionality.
The new space allows for a wide array of exhibition capabilities. The high bay ceiling enables large-scale artwork installation and opportunities for performances and events. Movable wall segments create flexible layouts tailored to each showcase. The second-floor open office area and support spaces are wrapped by a weathered-iron balcony, connecting employees to the exhibitions. Ample art storage space is in the back half of the ground floor behind a rolling barn door.
The central stair was designed and fabricated in collaboration with the Challenge Program, a nonprofit organization that offers high school students valuable construction skills to thrive in their career path.