International African American Museum: A (Thermal) Break with the Past
Situated on the site of Gadsden’s Wharf, the landing point for nearly half of all enslaved Africans brought to the United States, the International African American Museum will encompass 41,800 sq ft (3,900 m2) of program and exhibit space to preserve and protect the cultures, genealogy and accumulated knowledge of Africans in the Americas, telling their stories and celebrating their achievements.
Designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners in collaboration with Moody-Nolan architects, the one-story structure sits 13 feet above grade on a double row of cylindrical columns, offering an expansive sheltered public space with a reflecting pool and views of the African Ancestors Memorial Garden.