Introduction
Greetings to our members and subscribers, as we work together to promote peace through strength. Americans for a Stronger Navy is committed to our mission, and we are excited to share the latest developments in the Navy’s Artistic Ideas competition, which aims to explore the possibilities for the planned Navy museum.
Summary
The Navy’s Artistic Ideas competition recently unveiled conceptual renderings from five architecture firms at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy. The competition aimed to explore the full realm of artistic ideas that could be incorporated into the new Navy museum.
“We are pleased to display five visions for the future of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, “while each concept is different, all of them show how we might celebrate our Navy’s accomplishments, honor our veterans and point the way toward the Navy’s future.”
new building and the potential renovation of existing historical buildings. The planned museum campus would consist of approximately 270,000 square feet and include about 100,000 square feet of net gallery space.
Competition Overview: From Initial Interest to Final Selection
In December, 80 firms expressed interest in participating in the ideas competition, and 37 firms submitted qualifications. Finally, the Navy selected five architecture firms as finalists: Bjarke Ingels Group, DLR Group, Frank Gehry Partners, Perkins & Will, and Quinn Evans. These finalists were tasked with developing their unique submissions of conceptual ideas for the museum.
Finalists’ Concepts: A Celebration of Navy’s Accomplishments and Future
Since January, the firms developed their unique submissions of conceptual ideas to include a museum entrance, an atrium, a ceremonial courtyard, and the incorporation of some of the Navy’s larger artifacts, like a Corsair aircraft, a Swift Boat, and the sail of a submarine. According to Secretary Del Toro, “while each concept is different, all of them show how we might celebrate our Navy’s accomplishments, honor our veterans, and point the way toward the Navy’s future.”
Why Preserving Navy History Matters
Preserving Navy history is a vital part of our national heritage, and understanding the Navy’s contributions to our nation is essential to fostering a sense of national pride and identity. The museum will help us appreciate our national heritage, and honoring the brave men and women who have served our country in the Navy is a crucial part of preserving Navy history. Moreover, preserving Navy history provides valuable insights into how the Navy has adapted to changing circumstances over time.
The final canvases from the competition will remain on display for public viewing at the Navy’s National Museum on the Washington Navy Yard. Access hours are limited because of the museum’s consolidation, and NHHC plans additional public showcases this summer. Anyone wishing to share ideas or to comment on these Navy museum concepts can find the Navy on Facebook or email by clicking here.
The firms’ concepts are available here.
Following the SECNAV’s October announcement of the preferred location for the Navy’s planned museum, Naval History and Heritage Command moved forward with its conceptual development phase and initiated the ideas competition in an effort to explore the full realm of artistic ideas that might be incorporated into a new museum.
The competition sought concepts and ideas for the planned project from a broad range of individuals and architecture firms. Following the initial announcement in December, 80 firms expressed interest in participating; 37 firms then submitted qualifications, and finally, the Navy selected five architecture firms as finalists: Bjarke Ingels Group, DLR Group, Frank Gehry Partners, Perkins & Will and Quinn Evans.
Since January, the firms developed their unique submissions of conceptual ideas to include a museum entrance, an atrium, a ceremonial courtyard, and the incorporation of some of the Navy’s larger artifacts, like a Corsair aircraft, a Swift Boat, and the sail of a submarine.
“The concepts unveiled today are a crucial step in exploring what is possible for the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy,” said NHHC Director Samuel J. Cox, U.S. Navy rear admiral (retired). “We’ll tell the story of the Navy’s history as it continues to unfold, and the ideas developed by our finalists herald a new way of honoring that history by inviting visitors to participate.”
We hope that the Navy’s Artistic Ideas competition has inspired you to support our mission of promoting peace through strength. The Navy museum is an essential part of our history and will help future generations understand the significance of the Navy’s contributions to our nation. As always, we encourage you to be an active supporter by subscribing to our organization, and we thank you for your time and for supporting a Stronger Navy.