CLIENT: Thomas Jefferson Foundation
Charlottesville, VA

DESCRIPTION:

Located at Monticello, the Griffin Discovery Room is an exciting hands-on exhibit experience where young visitors can touch, play, and experiment with all aspects of Thomas Jefferson's life. The Monticello Parlor, Cabinet Room, Hall, and Alcove Bed, along with scenic replicas of the Nailery, Joinery, Textile Shop and Log Cabin from Mulberry Row are all recreated here for kids to experience first-hand. Each area includes several interactive exhibits, historic replicas, and text embedded directly into objects so that stories are seamlessly integrated.

USA was also responsible for sourcing historic construction methods, materials and finishes. Our favorite group meeting was taking a trip to West Virginia to source a historic log cabin, which was then relocated to the museum, complete with historic horse hair and natural fiber chinking!

"USA deserves an enormous share of the credit for the success of the Griffin Discovery Room at Monticello. They “got” what we were trying to accomplish right away and it shows. The team was a joy to work with throughout the process". Aaron Goldblatt, Design Partner, Metcalfe Architecture & Design

TEAM: Metcalfe Architecture & Design

IN HOUSE SERVICES:
Fabrication & Installation
Interactive Exhibits
Historic Building Replicas
Historic Material Sourcing
Casework & Cabinetry
Graphic Production Management
Artifact Mounting
Embedded and Painted Text
Subcontract Management