Statue of Liberty Museum
In October 2016, plans were unveiled for a new Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, that is expected to open in 2019. The new 26,000 sq. ft museum was designed by architectural practice FXFOWLE and will be built by Phelps Construction Group.
The Statue of Liberty receives more than 4.3 million visitors a year. The new museum will give visitors the chance to ‘learn about and honour the Statue’s history, influence and legacy in the world.’
A fundraising campaign, chaired by Diane von Furstenberg, aims to raise $70 million to build the museum. Von Furstenberg proposed creating a mural inspired by the American flag at the museum’s entrance. Each of the fifty ‘Liberty Stars’ will be sculpted into the mural, crafted from the original hand-forged iron bars, created by engineer Gustave Eiffel, which supported the statue for 100 years before being removed and during the 1986 centennial restoration.
The museum will adopt best practice for sustainability and feature a green roof-scape and bird-safe glass exteriors. The interior and exterior spaces will be built with local materials, including Stony Creek granite, bronze, plaster, and a variety of native vegetation. In adherence with the new FEMA Executive Order on floodplain management and resiliency, the museum will be set above 500-year flood levels and built to withstand hurricane-force winds.
ESI Design will create the museum exhibits, which will include an immersive virtual ‘fly-through’ inside the monument with an overview of Lady Liberty’s story and the construction process.
Diane von Furstenberg said: "Lady Liberty is the symbol of everything America is about: freedom, hope, possibility and resilience. It is She that millions of immigrants saw first as they arrived in this country, their hearts full of dreams for a brighter future. Now it is my hope that the Statue of Liberty and her incredible story will live on and on, inspiring generations for years to come.”
For more information, see Statue of Liberty Museum.
Content and images courtesy of FXFOWLE.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments
The new Statue of Liberty Museum is architecturally stunning and the exhibit content is compelling as well.