The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, located on the lower level of the historic 1914 Post Office Building designed by Daniel Burnham, expands into a new gallery that features its multi-million dollar stamp collection and at the same time gains a much needed public presence at street level. With over six million stamps in their collection, the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery has become the largest stamp gallery in the world.
Client
Smithsonian Institution
Location
Washington, D.C.
Distinction
Adaptive Reuse
Historic Renovation
The National Postal Museum, a surprise gem.
Seth Kugal, The New York Times
View Project Gallery
1
"Windows Into America"
The Wall of Stamps created by the new internal windows improves daylight and climate control and creates a dramatic street presence at night, when the images are back-lit.
The Postmaster's Suite - the most lavishly finished office space in GSA's federal building inventory - integrates new building systems and display with careful restoration.
2
1
Gallery
The design of the Stamp Gallery balances the needs of a modern museum with the historic character of the building.
The mezzanine is transformed into a learning loft that overlooks the exhibits below.
New gallery entryways are carefully integrated into the historic lobby.
AV, security, power and fire protection systems are designed to allow maximum flexibility with exhibits.