Delaware Museum of Natural History

88,000 SF     Greenville, Delaware

Ranked in the top ten in the U.S. for collections of birds and shells, it was important to reestablish the museum as a destination and cultural attraction. Sited on 10 acres in the Brandywine Valley and surrounded by Winterthur Museum and Longwood Gardens, the building had received no major renovations since 1969. Once through the new glass entrance lobby, visitors are welcomed into the museum with a totally updated museum shop, traveling exhibit space, theater and cafe. The interior is now flooded with natural light from a two-story skylight in the grand hall and panoramic windows onto the new terrace and wooded lot. AIA Delaware selected the concept to receive the Excellence in Architecture Merit Award, one of four projects out of 62 entries chosen for the organization’s highest level of recognition.