SM&W Contribution
Shen Milsom & Wilke provided consulting services in acoustics, audiovisual and information technology infrastructure for the nineteenth Smithsonian museum and the last to be constructed on the National Mall. SM&W was involved with the historic museum since the project’s inception in 2008, where we assisted with the program of requirements for the facility.
In addition to its exhibition halls, the museum houses the Oprah Winfrey Theater, a café, offices and an education center. An estimated 40,000 artifacts make up the museum’s collection, many of which were donated by everyday people. The Smithsonian uses the museum to highlight the “dark corners” of American History and to promote diversity through African American culture and history.
Four architecture firms worked to create the distinct bronze “corona” design that was inspired by African-American metal work. The NMAAHC was designed to achieve a LEED Gold certification.
Awards & Related Press:
- AIA National 2019 Design Award | AIA Honor Award for Architecture
- AIA New York 2018 Design Awards Recipient | Best in Competition
- 2017 American Alliance of Museums Honors National Museum of African American History and Culture With Chair’s Leadership Award
- Featured in Forbes: How This Architect Managed the Design of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Featured in the New York Times: The National Museum of African American History and Culture
