Entrance lobby and gallery.

Entrance lobby and gallery.

Entrance lobby and hallway with light screen.

Entrance lobby and hallway with light screen.

This is the new home for a Museum that began over 20 years ago as a middle school classroom exhibit created by local students studying the Holocaust. The project’s motto was: “Tell your children to tell their children and their children another generation.”

Closeup of exhibit looking into gallery.

Closeup of exhibit looking into gallery.

Circulation through the galleries is linear, reflecting the timeline of the Holocaust beginning with the rise of nationalism in Germany and finishing with the liberation of the concentration camps. The final gallery is home to rotating exhibits that describe other and current genocides and humanity’s efforts to curb them.

Closeup of exhibit looking into gallery.

Closeup of exhibit looking into gallery.

Circulation through the galleries is linear, reflecting the timeline of the Holocaust beginning with the rise of nationalism in Germany and finishing with the liberation of the concentration camps. The final gallery is home to rotating exhibits that describe other and current genocides and humanity’s efforts to curb them.

Keeping with its roots, the 6,000 sf museum’s focus is the education of school children. Over 15,000 students from the surrounding five counties arrive for tours each school year.

Close-up detail of sunscreen over windows.

Close-up detail of sunscreen over windows.

A visit to the museum is completed by walking along the light passage which is our solution to introduce natural daylight from the storefront windows without visitors having to look out to the parking lot. From the light passage, one moves into the Reflection Room, featuring the Liberation Wall, a place where visitors, emotionally drained from their experience, can gather themselves.

Custom skylight monitor shines sunlight on wall highlighting the timeline of liberation throughout the year.

Custom skylight monitor shines sunlight on wall highlighting the timeline of liberation throughout the year.

The goal of the Holocaust Museum is: “Teach the lessons of the Holocaust and inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence.” TEACH – EXPERIENCE – INSPIRE

Conceptual sketch by architect.

Conceptual sketch by architect.

The goal of the Holocaust Museum is: “Teach the lessons of the Holocaust and inspire action against bigotry, hatred and violence.” TEACH – EXPERIENCE – INSPIRE

Conceptual sketch by architect.

Conceptual sketch by architect.

Custom cabinetry with educator plaques above.

Custom cabinetry with educator plaques above.

Since opening, the Museum has become one of the most popular destinations in Southwest Florida, tripling the number of visitors from the former location In a town with dozens of popular attractions vying for visits, the Museum has become a top 5 Tripadvisor destination.

Design Awards

AIA Florida

Citation Award for Interior Architecture – 2021

AIA Florida Southwest

Honor Award for Interior Architecture – 2020

Merit Award for Unbuilt Design – 2018

Entrance lobby and seating area.

Entrance lobby and seating area.

Gallery