National Museum of the U.S. Navy

National Museum of the U.S. Navy – Artistic Ideas

Washington, D.C.
Forged by the Sea

This artistic concept for the National Museum of the U.S. Navy symbolizes the service’s resilient and flexible fiber—shaped and strengthened over centuries of maritime power. The proposed ideas were inspired by a history and culture forged by the sea and express the U.S. Navy’s core values and attributes—strength, commitment, integrity, courage, honor, and initiative. The building’s sail-like shapes and landscape conjure a fleet of vessels that skim the ocean’s surface, establishing a clear connection to sea, land, and air.

In recognition of the Navy core value of commitment, the arrival experience marks the moment a visitor leaves the civilian landscape to join the service's team-oriented world and explore a history of journeys “from the depths to the stars.”
Embarkment
In recognition of the Navy core value of commitment, the arrival experience marks the moment a visitor leaves the civilian landscape to join the service's team-oriented world and explore a history of journeys "from the depths to the stars."
Honor and Memory

The building and landscape were conceived as a living memorial, connecting visitors to U.S. Navy heritage through artifacts, stories, and immersive experiences. A ceremonial courtyard welcomes visitors and provides space for gatherings that celebrate the U.S. Navy’s culture and achievements.

Scattered with macro artifacts and balanced gracefully alongside a reflecting pool, this gathering area is a tribute to active and veteran Navy, family members, and community.
The Honor Courtyard
Scattered with macro artifacts and balanced gracefully alongside a reflecting pool, this gathering area is a tribute to active and veteran Navy, family members, and community.
The museum’s atrium recalls the engineering ingenuity of the hull of a ship.
The museum’s atrium recalls the engineering ingenuity of the hull of a ship.
Respect and Awe

The atrium is designed to evoke admiration and a sense of stability. Entering an open space reminiscent of naval architecture, the visitor encounters the promise of a remarkable experience. Intriguing displays, dynamic exhibits, and contemplative spaces are held in balance, reflecting the integrity, resolve, and engineering ingenuity of the U.S. Navy.

Subsurface, Surface, Expedition, Aviation, and Space
The SSEAS gallery invites visitors to confront how naval feats are actualized through bravery, fortitude, and conviction with extraordinary technological innovation. A ramp connects a spiraling series of experiences that range from sub-surface and surface expeditions to aerial operations and space exploration. Light and shadow are integral to this experience—drawing visitors through interactive exhibits.
Spaces for Reflection
A submarine emergences in front of a wall of remembrance.
Resolve and Invention

Macro artifacts allow direct entry points into the story of the Navy. Juxtaposition of old and new technologies highlights the scale of human innovation and advancement.

A glass-floored balcony pierces the atrium and cantilevers over the Honor Courtyard to offer varied views of a Navy Vought F4U Corsair, one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of WWII.
A Swift Boat "moves" through the marsh.

Project Team

Ralph Johnson
People
Ralph Johnson
Bridget Lesniak
People
Bridget Lesniak
Zena Howard
People
Zena Howard