Amidst the buildings that define the National Mall, with the Washington Monument in the background, and a view to the Lincoln Memorial, on September 24, 2016, the Smithsonian dedicated a new monument to American history. That day, before a massive crowd of donors, board members and supporters, President Barack Obama officially opened the Smithsonian’s most recent addition – the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) – to the public. Over a century in the making, the museum, which celebrates the African American story in all of its many facets, had a unique story to tell in it’s design as well. A collaboration of four design groups that formed a single cohesive team, Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroupJJR created a new national landmark representing openness, strength and hope within the 10 stories (5 above ground and 5 below) that secure a collection of over 40,000 pieces.

For more, read our 1st  issue.