Architecture
NEW HOME OF THE PRITZKER MILITARY MUSEUM & LIBRARY
The new home of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, the Pritzker Military Archives Center (PMAC) was designed by JAHN, an award-winning, internationally recognized architectural firm. This space is a state-of-the-art research center located in Kenosha, WI, to further the mission of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library through restoration, preservation, and storage of its collection. The square footage is 51,800 square feet, 9,400 of which will be open to the public, offering the local community the opportunity to immerse themselves in history.
Modular and efficient building systems work alongside one another to create flexible spaces capable of changing over time.
The structure projects the ultimate expression of meticulous engineering through an exposed steel structure clad in a high-performance glass skin, patterned to express the structure. Meanwhile, the center’s private spaces are revealed to curious public eyes through a partial height glass partition, offering a lens into the work of curators and archivists.
The Pritzker Military Archives Center is based on a 36’ structural grid system where the architecture and the structure are expressed and speak the same language.
The side walls are steel trusses that support the roof system and provide the lateral stability required. A great roof cantilevers to frame an outdoor exhibit space, presenting an open and inviting image to guests and creating a prominent and impactful marker on the landscape. Its elevated roof and expansive interior space maximize functional efficiency and visual impact, providing ideal working conditions for staff while inspiring visitors.
