Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Visitor and Education Center

Project Details

Project Description

The primary inspiration for the new visitor center’s design comes from our nation’s most enduring symbol—the Star-Spangled Banner. The two curved walls of the building reflect the dynamic nature of the flag and all it represents. The juxtaposition of the two walls—clad in distinct materials—invokes the meanings behind the flag’s stripes. Brick, strong and solid, expresses the hardiness and valor represented by the red stripes, while the thin and more delicate zinc façade expresses the purity and innocence represented by the white.

The curved walls also acknowledge the Fort and its flag. From the west, the upward slope of the brick wall, as revealed by the receding zinc wall, directs the visitor’s eye toward the flag creating a visual dialogue between the Fort and the visitor center. The contrasting volumes of the walls and the gentle change of their heights in opposite directions suggest a sense of motion.

Inside the building, a light-filled lobby with central information desk, greets visitors and serves as the organizing element for the public spaces, including the exhibits, multi-purpose room and gift shop. The second level houses park offices and support spaces, including a staff lounge with VIP terrace that offers picturesque views to the Fort. Pursuing LEED Silver certification, the project includes geothermal wells, daylighting tubes, a reflective white roof, and high efficiency fixtures among other sustainable elements. Recycled bricks, left over from repairs to the historic Fort and hand made to match the existing brick, were also used to reduce material consumption.