Lab Museum Design & Interpretation

The momentous building can be seen from the metro station. With curvilinear exterior walls, it seems one could circle forecer, following the paved pathway. There are remnants of fountains and a winding river frozen alongside the path. The building materials are reminscent of American Indian homes, giving the visitor and idea of what he/she is stepping into.

The large glass doors lead the visitor into the museum. The ceiling, along with the walls, are off-white. The ceiling resembles the Capital building's rotundam making a bold statement. Lights frame the rotunda-shaped ceiling create a mystic quality. The stairway is the second part of the interior I noticed. Also being bold and bright, the stairs lead the visitor to the galleries.

The canoe exhibit is at the entrance of the building. Surronded bya metal wallm the canoes rest on their wooden water. Tired cub scouts layed on the benches near the exhibit, impatient children ran around the canoes, and others sat and observed.

The museum store was full of more people than some of the galleriesm which brings Berger's article into perspective. Would people be satified going home with a minature canoe or a headress keychain? Is this the same or more important than the actual artifacts?

At the top of each flight of stairs, there were display cases with touch screens. You are able to touch the object on the screen, find out more information about it, and use a computerized magnifying glass to see more clearly. This brings to mind whether or not people would be just as happy viewing a virtual exhibit.

The galleries were dimly lit, creating a certain mood. The walls mimmicked the exterior, guiding the visitor. One gallery had stars on the ceiling, making me feel like I walking through a village. One of the displays was a living room encased in glass. This mystified a normal setting and made the visitor an outsider.

The National Museum of the American Indian is a large and unique building. It stands out alongside the white linear buildings in nearby D.C. I found it interesting how the museum mixed simplistic and spiritual of the American Indian with new technological advances. Touch screens and ideas were everywhere. The museum created a new age image, while displaying the past, present, and future culture of the American Indian.