After completing a master plan for the Science Museum of Virginia, we continued our efforts, designing the first phase of improvements. The master plan, when implemented, will increase the amount of exhibit and program space, improve wayfinding, update systems, add visitor amenities, and improve earned revenue while preserving the historic integrity of the building. Recognizing that a significant portion of the museum’s revenue is derived from rental income, the museum’s first priority was a new special event center. The event pavilion is designed to operate independently from the museum and provides over 25,000 square feet of exhibition and/or event space. The pavilion’s swooping roof and its large expanses of transparency, provide a contemporary iconic image, purposefully contrasting with the museum’s 1919 neoclassical façade. Once a train station, the 210,000-square-foot facility became the museum’s permanent home in 1976, saving the building from demolition.

Project Data

Complete
206,000 study; 24,000 gsf new construction; 10,000 sf renovated

Collaborators

Associate Architect: BCWH Architects
Exhibit Designer: Roto Studio
Photographer: Chris Cunningham

Program & Highlights

New exhibit/event space

Recognition

2017 Engineering News Report MidAtlantic Best Project – Cultural/Worship category
2014 AIA Central Virginia Merit Award