Mass. High Court Clears Gardner Museum Expansion

Massachusetts' highest court has cleared the way for an expansion of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

The Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the Boston art museum's expansion plans do not violate restrictions created by the museum's founder in her will.

The decision will allow the museum to remove a carriage house, build a new entrance, a new office building, a gift shop, a cafe, visitors' center, and a glass walkway connecting buildings.

The project has the approval of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, Boston Landmarks Commission, and Massachusetts Historical Commission.

The community group, Friends of Mission Hill, opposed the plan. Member Alison Pultinas tells The Boston Globe the group is concerned that the economy will stall the project.