Designed to advance knowledge about our first president’s legacy, this 45,000-square-foot building serves as a safe haven for his books and letters, and a center for education about his leadership. Like Washington’s home, the 45,800 square-foot building is arranged as a central block flanked by two wings: a west wing of staff offices and an east wing of meeting spaces for programs on Washington’s leadership. Narrow, 30-foot-wide floor plates allow daylight to penetrate the interior and reduce energy consumption. A central oval-shaped vault protects the most precious documents, including Washington’s personal collection of books.
