An institution that offers global perspectives and entertainment is doing so with new air and light.

Following a redesign of its interiors, the Mariposa Museum in Peterborough has its exhibits on display in a setting that belies its size when seen from outside on Main Street. The re-envisioned spaces are the work of artist and Jaffrey native Jeanne Duval. The floor space and winding staircases offer a sense more of a cosmopolitan art gallery than a small-town museum.

“It was an honor to be asked to revitalize spaces in Mariposa. It certainly was one of the most-rewarding projects I have undertaken,” Duval said.

A professional painter of fine art, she spoke of what she hopes will be the impact of her efforts. 

“This cultural center is incredibly special and it is important that when guests walk in, they feel the magnitude of what it has to offer,” she said.

“I think the design is more user-friendly,” said Tina Thaing, who has been with the Mariposa for 19 years, starting when she was a teenager. “There’s a better flow to moving through here. More of the collection is on display.”

The downtown museum occupies three floors that have housed everything from a Baptist church to a newspaper and antiques gallery. The building was vacant for two years after a 1999 fire. According to the museum’s website, concerned citizens purchased the building the day before it was due to be razed. Linda Masella, the owner of Joseph’s Coat in Peterborough envisioned a site for “folk art and world cultures, a place for the community to gather and celebrate our heritage as members of the world family,” as stated on the museum’s site. 

Education through exhibitions and performances has been central to the museum’s mission. 

“These are Indian shadow puppets,” said museum staff member Pasha White as she held up the creations behind a backlit curtain to demonstrate a performance on a recent evening. “We’re displaying them courtesy of a 12th-generation puppeteer.” 

White remembered musical performances that the museum has hosted, such as Bulgarian dancers and the Apple Hill Players. 

“The Apple Hill Players loved the acoustics here,” said White, waving her arms in appreciation of the second-floor space. The third floor sports a canoe display and opportunities for visitors to try their hands at floor puzzles and musical instruments.

Mariposa is a nonprofit organization. The museum is available for functions such as weddings, birthday parties and meetings. This week at the museum, the Tibetan monks of Drepung Gomang Monastery will create a sand mandala. There will be a closing ceremony as the culmination of their efforts at noon on Saturday.