Once a collection of artifacts gifted from local residents, the Manassas Museum is now a focal point for the city in northern Virginia. A $6.2-million reimagination of the Manassas Museum led by GWWO Architects revitalized the connection between the community and the historic building it has resided in since 1991.
The original Carlton Abbott–designed museum building is a traditional brick structure with an enclosed courtyard that references the city’s agricultural and Civil War history. When the renovation project was taken on by GWWO Architects, the firm wanted to retain this legacy, while connecting the isolated space to the surrounding park and streetscape.
Its plan reoriented the building by removing the courtyard wall that acted as a barrier between the building, park and the neighborhood beyond. By reconfiguring the building’s main entrance to be on an axis with Battle Street—a walking point for the city’s downtown—new connections have been established between this “third space” and main street.
In facilitating better circulation and maximizing the space, an extension measuring 6,360 square feet was added to the existing building. The renovations preserved much of the original brick structure, while reimagining the relationship between indoor and outdoor space.
This design was brought to life through the addition of large glass windows which open up the space to embrace the city and generate light-filled corridors. Additional development included an expanded collections storage area, family classroom, administrative spaces, and an amphitheater.
“Looking back at goals set forth in the city’s master plan, the design for the Manassas Museum hits all the marks,” said Matt Arcieri, director of planning and development for the City of Manassas. “GWWO’s innovative design creates a welcoming third space within our community by opening the inward-facing museum to embrace the city and surrounding park to better tell our story and serve our community, both now and well into the future.”
Calling on local residents to participate and curate exhibitions has led to an increase in attendance by 85 percent, the museum said. The redesign has not only brought forth the legacy of the city’s history, but established a space for the local residents to gather, learn, and engage within this space. Among these, 50 Years in 50 Objects, an interactive exhibition celebrating the museum’s recent anniversary; and an interactive display, What Manassas Means to You? which received responses in 13 languages.
