Bezos Learning Center's proposed design is inspired by galaxies
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The proposed design for a spiraling Learning Courtyard, with the Bezos Learning Center behind it. Rendering courtesy of CFA Public Meeting 4.18.24 Presentation, National Air and Space Museum
Newly unveiled design proposals for the National Air and Space Museum's forthcoming Bezos Learning Center lean heavily on spiraling designs inspired by galaxies.
The big picture: The learning center is funded in part by the $200 million that famously space-obsessed Jeff Bezos donated to the museum in 2021 and comes alongside the museum's $1 billion revamp.
- The Bezos Learning Center will host STEAM programming and events to encourage more young people to pursue those fields.
State of play: Proposed designs show a three-story, curved building with a restaurant fitting up to 700 people and areas to host school groups and events, per a new presentation filed with the Commission of Fine Arts by the Smithsonian Institution and center architects Perkins&Will.
- The center will sit east of the museum on its former food court and the two buildings will be connected via a vestibule.
- Also planned for the learning center's 2.5-acre spread: an outdoor Astronomy Park housing a new permanent version of the Phoebe Waterman Haas Observatory, plus an outside Learning Courtyard that spirals like a galaxy from the building.
Zoom in: The center's proposed exterior features aluminum elements meant to evoke the starry cosmos, creating shadow patterns during the day and emitting streams of light at night, per the presentation.
- Native perennial and prairie plants, a pollinator garden, and more trees will make up the landscaping.
What's next: Construction is slated to start in late 2025, with plans for the building to open in mid-2027, says the presentation.
