Americans 2017

Designers: Wendy Evans Joseph, Monica Coghlan, and José Luis Vídalon, Studio Joseph, New York, New York, USA
Client: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., Maryland, USA

“Americans”—a nod to the name given to this country’s indigenous peoples by European settlers—is a modern, dynamic, multimedia permanent display. The 9,200-square-foot exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. deconstructs conflicts and decisions involving native peoples at specific historical moments and portrays the ubiquity of Indians in all aspects of our national identity despite the fact they now comprise only 1% of the country’s population.

Within the central gallery entitled “Indians Everywhere,” a powder-coated ¾-inch, square tubular steel armature lining the gallery’s perimeter holds three centuries of objects, graphics, and photography. The quantity and range of these objects underscore the extent to which this imagery is integral to American culture and identity. Showcasing various artifacts such as a classic 1948 Indian Chief motorcycle, the Tomahawk missile, and Navajo Barbie, this intricate display system required creativity and technical expertise to execute. To ensure an economical and efficient installation, the display consists of a grid with 12-inch-deep MDF object cases that integrate widely diverse materials that offer flexibility for change over time. Assembled in thirty-two sections of framework, each 5’ wide and 14’ tall, and connected with imperceptible male/female joints, the entire gallery game together in a manner of days. All aspects of the design comply with strict Smithsonian standards, Universal Design, ADA, and ABA. The effect is a larger-than-life, historical narrative interpreted within a bold, modern aesthetic—fulfilling the museum’s agenda to achieve an immersive environment with engaging content.