Quinn Evans Named a Finalist for New United States Navy Museum Design

Rendering design concept of the main entrance to the imagined national Museum of the United States Navy showing a two-story building with a sprawling glass window depicting views of the museum's interior.

Quinn Evans, a multi-office design firm specializing in sustainability, historic preservation, and museums and galleries, was selected as a finalist in the Naval Heritage History and Command’s (NHHC) Artistic Ideas Competition for the design of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy (NMUSN). At a public event on April 13, 2023 at the DC Navy Yard, bold new visuals were unveiled from Quinn Evans, Bjarke Ingles Group, DLR Group, Frank Gehry Partners, and Perkins&Will.

“The concepts unveiled today are a crucial step in exploring what is possible for the new National Museum of the U.S. Navy,” said Samuel Cox, Director, NHHC. “We will 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 are excited to share these concepts with present and former service members, the arts and cultural communities, and the wider public as we explore potential approaches for the new museum. Today’s finalists were chosen from a truly impressive and expansive group of national applicants,” said Charles Swift, Acting Director, The National Museum of The US Navy. “We are incredibly pleased with the singular visions each finalist has developed and are excited to share them with the world.”

"We have been absolutely thrilled by the quality of submissions received from these five outstanding firms,” said David Ben-Israel, Vice President, MGAC. “It has been an honor to work with the NHHC team and the firms to take one more step towards a new national museum that pays tribute to the history and heritage of our nation’s Navy.”

Rendering design concept of an open courtyard with an array of people enjoying the common area that features shrubbery and a small infinity pool

The new museum is intended to be a modern, public-facing space comprising a new building and ceremonial courtyard, as well as the potential renovation of existing historical buildings. The campus would consist of approximately 270,000 square feet, including approximately 100,000 square feet of net gallery space.

Each firm used a different approach that inspired each of their concepts, which were all focused around 6 main building elements, the general building form and massing, the main entrance, the Atrium, the marque gallery space, the ceremonial “honor” courtyard, and the use of macro artifacts.

Rendering design concept of an immersive multimedia theater filled with people overlooking an open courtyard.

The NHHC wants the new museum to be a space for both Naval veterans and the public. The new museum will be a lighthouse in the community for education and public events. Additionally, the goal for the new museum is to provide a more dynamic and fresh approach to history, and how people think about historical institutions.

The Navy leadership has a long-held vision to build a state-of-the-art museum that will create a living memorial to the U.S. Navy’s heritage of victory, valor, and sacrifice. It will provide future museum visitors a greater understanding of the U.S. Navy’s role in ensuring America’s national and economic security and reflect the Navy’s vital importance in today’s global environment. The new NMUSN campus will be an educational, cultural, and ceremonial center for all visitors, to include active-duty Sailors, veterans, and the public.