Freelon Adjaye Bond 2, courtesy of afagen
Earlier today, WaPo broke the news regarding the newest – and last – Smithsonian museum to be built on the National Mall. The winning design (see the above photo) for the new National Museum of African American History and Culture belongs to the architectural team from Freelon Adjaye Bond / Smith Group. The group is also designing the new DC public library in Anacostia and has worked on several other Smithsonian projects, including the (in my opinion) outstanding National Museum of the American Indian.
The six finalists have been on display at the Smithsonian Castle since March 27; the winning design was announced this morning.
The new museum is expected to be finished in 2015 at a cost of $500 million and will be built on Constitution between 14th and 15th streets NW, near the Monument. Currently, the museum is in a private phase of fundraising, and half the cost will be funded by Congress.
Having lived in the DC area for ten years, Ben still loves to wander the city with his wife, shooting lots of photos and exploring all the latest exhibits and galleries. A certified hockey fanatic, he spends some time debating the Washington Capitals club with friends – but everyone knows of his three decade love affair with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A professional writer, gamer, photographer, and Lego enthusiast, Ben remains captivated by DC and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.
I don’t know. I love the NMAI. Between the gorgeous architecture and the delicious restaurant, it’s wonderful before you even get to the exhibits. But this seems a little more.. conventional. Maybe the model doesn’t quite capture why it won.
Oh, agreed. I’m hoping the interior is what does it justice. The NMAI is perfect for what it represents, as it fits with the environment. I’ll be curious to hear how the entire structure of this one fits the subject matter – or, more decidedly, what the public thinks.
I like the building, but I’m not feeling the palm trees. (That’s what those look like at least.)