HGA leads design effort for Jackson Hole History Museum in historic downtown Jackson, Wyoming.
A physically-distanced gathering of History Jackson Hole and Museum Staff, Board, and County Commissioner Liaison at their future home for history. Pictured (L to R): Mark Newcomb, Hugh O’Halloran, Morgan Jaouen, Becky Kimmel, Kirsten Corbett, Maria Rachal, Bob McLaurin, Jim Hunt (with Cleopatra), Jason Berning, and Reade Dornan.
National interdisciplinary design firm HGA today announced its role in bringing to life a new museum for History Jackson Hole. The project—located at the southeast corner of the historic Van Vleck block in Jackson, Wyoming—will establish a permanent museum campus for History Jackson Hole and home for the community’s history. The campus is set to serve as a primary destination for Jackson Hole History Museum’s interactive exhibits, educational programming, and special events in addition to offering flexible space for community use by History Jackson Hole members and partners. The project is a private-public partnership, funded in part by a local Specific Purpose Excise Tax which voters approved in 2019, as well as philanthropic support. Completion of the museum campus is projected for winter 2024.
The new Jackson Hole History Museum campus will be situated within a prominent, historic downtown block that community members rallied to protect in 2019 for its deep history, public green space, and local businesses. The campus will comprise a 13,200-square-foot new museum including exhibition, visitor services, classroom, archives, administrative and support spaces; two historic cabins; and 2,500 square feet of outdoor space.
“Building a new home for the Jackson Hole History Museum is transformational for our community and the History Jackson Hole organization. This is the first time we have owned land and had the opportunity to purpose-design and build a museum campus that will preserve and share our unique history for many generations to come,” said History Jackson Hole Executive Director Morgan Jaouen. “We are thrilled to be working with HGA and others on our interdisciplinary team to bring the vision of a new community-driven museum to life. As the project progresses, we continue to be inspired by the team’s creativity, passion and professionalism.”
The collaborative design team, led by HGA as architect of record, will strike a delicate balance between contextual and contemporary design, integrating both the Western character and historic relevance of downtown Jackson alongside a modern museum reflecting Jackson Hole’s present and future.
“This new museum campus is positioned to be a critical cultural resource for downtown Jackson,” said Joan Soranno, design principal at HGA and lead architect on the project. “Our team and project partners have been deeply inspired by this community of vibrant, authentic, and tenacious people. We are honored to work alongside History Jackson Hole to create a dynamic and enduring visual landmark that complements surrounding businesses, public spaces, and historic buildings all while elevating the experience for all who engage it to further the lasting legacy of Jackson Hole.”
HGA’s scope of work encompasses full architectural, landscape, and engineering services, with civil engineering managed by Nelson Engineering. The firm is working in close partnership with local architecture firm Prospect Studio and exhibit designer Gallagher & Associates, both of which will be contributing their expertise in community-based design and visitor experience to the project respectively. The HGA design team is led by award-winning architect and design principal, Joan Soranno, FAIA, and includes senior project architect, John Cook, FAIA, and principal, Roxanne Nelson, AIA, LEED AP.
HGA is nationally recognized for its expertise in museum environments much like the Jackson Hole History Museum campus. Recent notable projects include Winona County History Museum, Walker Art Center, American Swedish Institute and Nelson Cultural Center, and Marlboro Music School’s campus.
Founded in 1958, History Jackson Hole is dedicated to keeping and sharing Jackson Hole’s historical record. The organization stewards and shares artifacts and ideas that foster curiosity and continual learning, forge connections and inform 21st century dialogue. Today, Jackson Hole History Museum has grown and developed to include more educational activities, sophisticated exhibits and improved research opportunities. Its collection now includes 7,200 objects, 19,200 photographs, 8,200 records and 460 oral histories. For additional information, visit History Jackson Hole.