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
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Comments
The new Statue of Liberty Museum is architecturally stunning and the exhibit content is compelling as well.