Upon entering George Washington’s historic estate, the first impression is of an agricultural pasture. Only after turning left do visitors encounter the intimate entry courtyard of the orientation center, the remainder of which is concealed behind a modest garden wall.
This journey metaphorically interprets the one that Washington himself designed for visitors to his home. Inside, the 30,200-SF center features an elliptical floor-to-ceiling wall of glass that embraces nature, visually connecting visitors to Washington’s landscape. After viewing the orientation film, visitors emerge on a woodland walk, a gentle upslope path leading to the estate’s historic grounds and mansion.
2008 AIA Baltimore Grand Design Award Winner
2008 Brick in Architecture Award
2007 AIA Maryland Design Award Winner
"At Mount Vernon, New Centers Offer Lessons in Harmony" – by Roger K. Lewis, Cityscape Columnist, The Washington Post, October 28, 2006
* Click here for a listing of team members that contributed to this project.
Details
- Two theaters with total seating for 450
- Orientation exhibits
- Ticketing, information and retail services
- Separate individual and group entries