Nearly a half century ago, Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) pioneered a new approach to learning in public; we are now the world’s largest practice dedicated to the planning and design of museums and narrative environments. Today, we work on commissions of all sizes to use physical space as a medium for communication and dialogue. 

Our comprehensive creative and technical offerings uplift the missions and ideas of our clients, which include many of the world’s most recognizable cultural attractions. Our international studios are diverse and interdisciplinary; we are headquartered in New York, with branch offices in London, Berlin, and Beijing. RAA’s staff  - with nearly 70 based in the New York Studio -  includes designers, architects, historians, educators, researchers, and media makers that are passionate about encouraging a more mindful connection to the world around us. We use the tools of storytelling, design, theatre, media and interactive technology, and the narrative power of architecture, to communicate big ideas that convey the history, core values and key messages of our clients. We strive for the optimum balance between sustainability, value, design and experiential quality. 

RAA's portfolio includes over 800 completed commissions in 52 countries. Projects currently in development include the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois; the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Museum of Chinese in America in New York, New York; the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California; and the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, England. Notable past projects also include the American Museum of Natural History’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, Hall of Biodiversity and the fourth-floor Fossil Halls; the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, all in Washington, D.C.; the Humboldt Forum, Berlin, Germany; the Second World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum, Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and multiple exhibitions at the British Museum, all in London; the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Since our founding in 1978, our work has been honored with every major award for design and communication, including the first-ever National Design Award for Communications Design. We believe that connective and transformative experiences in public spaces are essential for individuals, communities, cities and nations — now more than ever. More than 75,000,000 people encounter our work every year.