Wings of Freedom Aircraft Museum
Location: Horsham Township, PA
Description: Master Plan/ Schematic Design of a New Museum Facility
The Delaware Valley Historic Aircraft Association (DVHAA) is a dynamic organization that owns an impressive array of vintage aircraft. It currently operates a small museum known as the Wings of Freedom Aircraft Museum, which is located at the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station. For a number of years, the leadership of DVHAA had envisioned the construction of a new museum that would provide a national destination for viewing, restoring, and researching historic aircraft.
With a soaring roof expressive of “flight,” the GKO Architects design includes a New Exhibit Hall that is sized for both the current and future aircraft collections. The New Museum, which is planned to be constructed on the same site as the existing facility, will be enclosed with tall glazed walls and will include sun-protection via cantilevered exterior shading louvers. A centralized “Control Tower” – planned to be part of the exhibit experience – will provide a vertical counterpoint to the roof and will serve to anchor the exterior composition. The Exhibit Hall has been designed with large sliding “hangar” doors, which can be opened to provide natural ventilation and for aircraft access and egress. As a cost-control strategy, the “back-of-house” support functions will be provided in the former Naval Air Station PX Building, which will be renovated. Fundraising efforts for the project are currently underway.
