Creating a museum, memorial, and space for cross-cultural collaboration and learning

National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) commemorates the Black community and the impact African Americans have on the United States and the world. It functions as a museum, memorial, and space for cross-cultural collaboration and learning.

Stantec worked in collaboration with The Freelon Group (Perkins+Will), Adjaye Associates, and SmithGroup. The design, led by three prominent Black architects—our own Max Bond, Phil Freelon, and Ghanaian-British Sir David Adjaye—won an international competition under the name The FAB Team. SmithGroup later joined the team to help bring this landmark project to life.

Before the design competition, Max Bond and Phil Freelon united our firms to develop pre-design and programming documents, defining the museum’s programmatic stacking and spatial organization. As the design evolved, the team strategically positioned over 60 percent of the 400,000-square-foot (37,161-square-metre) program below grade including its centerpiece: the 50,000-square-foot (4,645-square-metre) History Gallery. Veiled by the exterior Corona, the above-grade circulation weaves through a seven-story atrium, framing views of DC’s landmarks.

The design rests on four cornerstones. The Ascent offers a bottom-to-top chronological gallery journey. The Corona includes bronze filigree screen echoing historical craftsmanship. Lastly, the Lenses strategically frame important landmark views, while the Porch celebrates the museum’s presence on America’s front lawn.

The NMAAHC rethinks the role of civic institutions in the 21st century, offering new ways to engage visitors. It establishes a museum experience that prioritizes cultural narrative and identity, giving voice to untold stories and establishing an empowering emotional connection that drives positive social change. The museum is the first on the mall built to sustainability standards, serving as the Smithsonian’s "Green Flag" and earning LEED Gold certification.