For Immediate Release

Washington, DC (September 19, 2016) – The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will open to the public September 24 as a primary exhibition space for African American history and culture, as well as a centerpiece venue for ceremonies and performances.

GGN’s landscape design integrates the museum into the larger composition of the National Mall and the Washington Monument grounds, thereby creating a link to a broader American story and establishing the site as an integral component of the museum experience.

Broad sweeping paths draw visitors in, moving them through two important thresholds, marked by a gently curving plinth of highly polished stone and an entry fountain of moving and still water. Juxtaposing the permanence and weight of stone with the ephemeral qualities of moving and reflective water, these thresholds symbolically link past, present, and future to reinforce the incredible location of the site as a critical context for the museum itself.

"From a landscape design perspective, what makes this museum unique is that it holds a position of both terminus and junction. It is the last museum on the National Mall, and it is also where the National Mall, Washington Monument, and White House grounds meet," said Kathryn Gustafson, Founding Principal. "Conceptually, the landscape design is symbolic of the museum's mission."

Live Oaks, Magnolias, and American Beeches are part of a diverse planting palette chosen and composed to reinforce broad themes of the museum: resiliency, spirituality, hope, and optimism. The site is designed to encourage visitors to extend the museum experience outside, and to linger and reflect on the important narratives being told within.

GGN worked with the architectural team of Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroupJJR from the beginning of the project as part of the competition team. In the role of landscape architect, GGN created the site master plan, envisioned the landscape design, and oversaw landscape construction.

“The site design is really a small part of a much larger composition that has been evolving over the past 200 years. It is humbling to have had a hand in the continued evolution of this significant national space,” said Rodrigo Abela, Principal.

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts. Nearly 100,000 individuals have become charter members of the museum. When the NMAAHC opens on September 24, 2016, it will be the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn more at www.nmaahc.si.edu/about/museum

About the Design Team
The design team for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is a collaboration of four architecture firms forming a single cohesive team—Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroupJJR. GGN is the landscape architecture firm, and Ralph Appelbaum Associates is the exhibit designer. Learn more about the design team at the Smithsonian News Desk.

About GGN
Gustafson Guthrie Nichol (GGN) is a landscape architecture firm based in Seattle, Washington. Significant projects include the National Museum of African American History and Culture, CityCenterDC, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Campus, and the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. GGN was the recipient of the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Landscape Architecture in 2011. The firm’s project awards include ASLA National Awards of Excellence, ASLA and AIA Honor Awards for Design, Tucker Design Awards, and Great Places Awards from the Environmental Design Research Association. For more information about Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, please visit www.ggnltd.com.

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Media Contact
Cheryl dos Remedios
GGN
E: cheryld@ggnltd.com
T: +1 206 903 6802

Images
High resolution files available upon request.