Strasburg, Pennsylvania

DESCRIPTION: The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania houses one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the world, housed in a 100,000 square foot exhibit hall. The indoor and outdoor facility boasts cars from the mid-19^th and 20^th centuries and houses extensive exhibits of artifacts, railroad art and photography, and corporate railroad material. The museum met the challenge of creating a narrative tying together such a large exhibit space, and fabricating pieces that are in line with the scale of the trains in the collection. After a comprehensive design build process, drawing input from many stakeholders.

Visitors will see major updates to the Main Lobby, Rolling Stock Hall, Stewart Junction and Steinman Station, with a new Orientation Exhibit, new Orientation Film. Families will find interactive exhibits and opportunities to learn and explore for all ages. “Hotspots” throughout the museum will each have their own theme, content, and interactivity to explore everything from dining on the rails, to how trains work.

The renovation and redesign ties together a large exhibit space and fabricated architectural pieces, background scenarios, exhibit cases, and interactive experiences that are in line with the scale of the trains in the collection. USA has fabricated architectural frames for narrative “hot spots” that each have their own theme, content, and interactivity to explore everything from dining on the rails to how trains work. The human story of railroading is told through highlights on railroad leaders, inventors, laborers, and the social impact on the American landscape and workplace. The project engages USA’s spectrum of expertise in building casework, integrating media, developing and building hands-on interactives for all ages, and creating large graphic installations. The renovation recognizes both the past and present of railroading as an essential industry in shaping the nation’s story.