National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC), part of the Smithsonian Institution and located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is the world’s largest museum dedicated to African American history and culture. After over 40 years of effort, it was established with a collection of about 40,000 objects and regularly displays approximately 3,500 items. The museum spans ten stories and 350,000 square feet, receiving acclaim for its architectural design and exhibits highlighting African American life, art, history, and culture. McKissack provided program and construction management services to develop and construct the NMAAHC. Pre-design services included the preparation and development of security site threat risk assessment, geotechnical investigation, construction manager-at-risk (CMAR) scope of work, building information modeling, the risk management plan and procurement strategy. McKissack provided design and construction management, which included: design reviews, interior design/space planning, selection of the CMAR, oversight of the bid process and construction. We also managed the project controls, which included the master schedule and budget. The building is LEED Gold certified and features solar panels and a green roof system as well as daylighting for office areas. Other sustainable features included water reclamation for use of grey water for landscape watering, as well as make-up water for cooling towers. Additionally, the extensive landscaping design included a water feature and landscaping that tied into the Washington Monument grounds, all approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the National Park Service.