The Star-Spangled Banner

An American treasure, in the heart of one of the most visited museums in the world, in perhaps the largest case ever designed for a single object.

…the centerpiece of the renovated museum—the American flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write his famous poem—has never looked more magnificent. It’s inspiring as it sits behind a 35-foot glass wall in a theaterlike space, dimly lit to recall 'dawn’s early light.' – Washington Post

This permanent exhibit places one of America's greatest treasures in the heart of one of the most visited museums in the world, inside perhaps the largest display case ever designed for a single object. The design presents the huge, fragile textile dramatically while also protecting it from light and gravity. The flag appears in near darkness reminiscent of "dawn's early light". The design evokes a memorial in the nation’s capital, rather than a typical museum exhibit. Long entry and exit corridors mediate the shift from daylight to the darkened gallery and incorporate dramatic audio-visual experiences. Within the viewing chamber, a large interactive table allows visitors to virtually examine the flag up close. Design for the Star-Spangled Banner Permanent Exhibition was led by C&G Partners in collaboration with Chermayeff & Geismar Studio. Architects: SOM. Final AV design: RBH. Interactive table technology design: Potion. Exhibit lighting designer: Technical Artistry. Architectural lighting designer: George Sexton Associates. Structural engineers: Robert Silman Associates.