The Experiential Design Index

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History — New Home in the Biological Sciences Building — University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History opened new permanent galleries in the university's new Biological Sciences Building in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on April 14, 2019 (remaining galleries opened November 10, 2019); architecture by Ennead Architects and SmithGroup, with exhibition planning, design, and fabrication by the Great Plains Exhibit Development joint venture of Lord Cultural Resources, Taylor Studios, and Xibitz.

VenueUniversity of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Project typeNew Building
StatusCompleted
Year completed2019
TechnologiesDigital Dome Theater / planetarium

Credits

FirmRoleNote
Ennead Architects Architecture
SmithGroup Architecture
Lord Cultural Resources Interpretive Planning Planning, design, and management lead for the Great Plains Exhibit Development joint venture
Taylor Studios Fabrication Great Plains Exhibit Development joint venture
Xibitz Fabrication Great Plains Exhibit Development joint venture

Description

The museum relocated from its prior 90-year-old building into a new seven-story facility shared with two university biology departments, engaging the Great Plains joint venture (also responsible for the North Dakota Heritage Center expansion) in 2014 to design, build, and manage more than 13 new exhibitions, including a Digital Dome Theater with planetarium capabilities.

Sources