National Museum of the U.S. Army Opens to the Public

Fort Belvoir, VA – The Army Historical Foundation (AHF) debuted the National Museum of U.S. Army (NMUSA) on Veterans Day 2020. The museum prominently displays the Army's history and heritage with 15,000 pieces from the U.S. Army's Art Collection and 30,000 artifacts, documents, and images across 185,000 square feet of exhibition and support space. "The National Museum of the U.S. Army is a special place because it honors the accomplishments, sacrifices, and commitments of our American soldiers throughout the Nation's history," said General James C. McConville, 40th Chief of Staff of the Army, during the opening ceremony. "The Army museum has done an incredible job of bringing to life the inspirational stories of service and sacrifice of the American soldiers. Every solider has a story and the Army museum is the home."

The museum is the first of its kind to celebrate and honor the U.S. Army. The lobby is enclosed by a 35-foot ceiling featuring representations of the Army's history which leads to an engraved Honor Wall commemorating each battle fought. A 25-ton M3 Bradley Cavalry fighting vehicle used to transport soldiers and "The Art of Soldiering" which showcases the U.S. Army's Art Collection, are just two of the exhibits visually depicting the experiences of the American solider displayed throughout this state-of-the-art museum. With over 245 years of history presented across the museum, strict temperature and humidity constraints were implemented in order to preserve the artifacts. Since the critical space must be maintained 24/7, Southland installed an air system which provides controlled ventilation and humidification to gallery spaces. "The environment has to be acceptable at all times," said Brian Bahn, Account Executive at Southland.

With that in mind, Southland was able to maintain and execute the buildings specifications for mechanical, plumbing, fire protection and the building automation system for the museum. The project also incorporates the federal government's risk management platform for the building management system, comprehensive lighting controls, wayfinding, and other technologies.

Careful planning between all teams to ensure a successful project was at the forefront. "I am proud that we have the opportunity and privilege to serve the U.S. Army Museum and share in its mission. Our installed systems help deliver that by providing critical operation and maintenance programs," said Mark Trecannelli, Control Operations Manager at Southland.