JACKSON, WY — National interdisciplinary design firm HGA announces its role in bringing to life a new museum for the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum (JHHSM). The project — located at the southeast corner of the historic Van Vleck block in Jackson, Wyoming — will establish a permanent museum campus for JHHSM and home for the community’s history. The campus is set to serve as a primary destination for JHHSM’s interactive exhibits, educational programming, and special events in addition to offering space for community use by JHHSM members and partners. Completion of the museum campus is projected for winter 2024.

The new JHHSM museum campus will be situated within a historic downtown block that community members rallied to protect in 2019 for its deep history, public green space, and local businesses. The campus will comprise a 13,200-square-foot new museum including exhibition, visitor services, classroom, archives, administrative, and support spaces; two historic cabins; and 2,500 square feet of outdoor space.

“Building a new home for the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum is transformational for our community and organization. This is the first time we have owned land and had the opportunity to purpose-design and build a museum campus that will preserve and share our unique history for many generations to come,” said JHHSM Executive Director Morgan Jaouen. “We are thrilled to be working with HGA and others on our interdisciplinary team to bring the vision of a new community-driven museum to life.”

The collaborative design team, led by HGA as architect of record, will strike a balance between contextual and contemporary design, integrating both the Western character and historic relevance of downtown Jackson alongside a modern museum reflecting Jackson Hole’s present and future.

“This new museum campus is positioned to be a critical cultural resource for downtown Jackson,” said Joan Soranno, Design Principal at HGA and Lead Architect on the project. “Our team and project partners have been deeply inspired by this community of vibrant, authentic, and tenacious people. We are honored to work alongside JHHSM to create a dynamic and enduring visual landmark that complements surrounding businesses, public spaces, and historic buildings all while elevating the experience for all who engage it to further the lasting legacy of Jackson Hole.”

HGA’s scope of work encompasses full architectural, landscape, and engineering services, with civil engineering managed by Nelson Engineering. The firm is working in close partnership with local architecture firm Prospect Studio and exhibit designer Gallagher & Associates, both of which will be contributing their expertise in community-based design and visitor experience to the project respectively. The HGA design team is led by Soranno and includes Senior Project Architect, John Cook, FAIA, and Principal, Roxanne Nelson, AIA, LEED AP.

HGA is nationally recognized for its expertise in museum environments much like the JHHSM campus. Recent projects include Winona County History Museum, Walker Art Center, American Swedish Institute and Nelson Cultural Center, and Marlboro Music School’s campus.

Founded in 1958, JHHSM is dedicated to keeping and sharing Jackson Hole’s historical record. Today, JHHSM has grown and developed to include more educational activities, exhibits, and research opportunities. Its collection now includes 7,200 objects, 19,200 photographs, 8,200 records, and 460 oral histories.