Interactive museum opens in historic DC building

2020-11-02T11:31:00-05:00

Planet Word is a new interactive museum in Washington DC dedicated to words and language. Designed by international firm Beyer Blinder Belle, the museum is housed in the Franklin School, a National Historic Landmark in the city. The building was originally designed by Adolf Cluss, a DC-based 19th century architect who also design The Castle, the Smithsonian's renowned HQ.

Beyer Blinder Belle was hired to rehabilitate and restore the five-story, 50,000-square-foot building. The task included restoration of the Great Hall, the building's original frescos, in addition to two grand staircases.

Planet Word holds nine immersive learning galleries that were designed by Local Projects, an interactive exhibit design firm. Some exhibit highlights include a massive word wall, composed of over 1,000 three-dimensional words that speaks and asks visitors questions. "It uses its voice to address stereotypes and misconceptions about how language works — challenging, for example, the idea that “ain'...

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Interactive museum opens in historic DC building