Image © Shawn Miller / Library of Congress
Washington D.C., USA 2026
Experiential galleries have evolved into a significant part of many public attractions. Getting them right isn’t always easy, but when done well, they engage visitors in memorable, multisensory ways. They can turn passive observers into active participants, and also reach new audiences in highly effective ways, which is increasingly important for attracting younger demographics in particular.
In the USA, the Library of Congress has launched a new experiential gallery specifically designed to welcome children and teens with their families and school groups. The Source: Where Curiosity Sparks Discovery has been developed “with kids for kids”, focusing on literature, storytelling and learning activities for younger visitors.
Area
370 m2
Display Exhibition Designer
SKOLNICK Architecture + Library of Congress Center for Exhibits and Interpretation and Exhibits Office
Image © Shawn Miller / Library of Congress
Created specifically with visitors aged 8-15 in mind, the hands-on gallery encourages budding young researchers to investigate image, film, audio and text collections at the Library via guided exploration and open-ended discovery. Shari Werb, director of the Library’s Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement, described the project as: “…a new way of thinking about how the Library of Congress can serve young people as they explore topics of interest; we want to encourage them to think like creators and researchers. It’s a place where questions are welcome, experimentation is encouraged, and curiosity leads the way, helping kids build confidence at a formative age.”
Image © Shawn Miller / Library of Congress
Located in the Jefferson Building, planning for the 4,000-square-foot gallery began in 2021. This project is the latest output in Goppion’s ongoing working relationship with the Library of Congress; including our work for the Treasures Gallery, the Gift Shop, and customized Universal Cases for temporary exhibitions that offer greater public access to the Library’s vast collections.
Projects
Library of Congress – David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery
For The Source, Goppion provided complete exhibition fit-out, coordinating the design and fabrication of the entire installation, including lighting systems, graphic panels, interactive tables, integrated audio-visual elements, and display cases. All aspects of design and delivery were carefully aligned to meet the client’s aesthetic and functional requirements.
To achieve this, the project required extensive coordination across multiple teams, including designers and engineers, as well as a network of specialized partners and local assembly sites, to ensure seamless integration of all fit-out elements within a complex and highly customized environment. The gallery is organized into four color-coded immersive zones, each dedicated to a different format of primary source material: text, image, sound, and film.
Inevitably, the process towards achieving this came with several challenges attached. Above all, we had to ensure a cohesive result within tight spatial and logistical constraints. Particular attention was given to safety, accessibility and durability, ensuring that all materials and components met the robust, specific requirements of a busy public educational space.
Our team was delighted to participate in the creation of the Library’s engaging new child-friendly space. The combination of technical precision, educational intent and creative fit-out design has made this project unique within the Library of Congress’ public offer as it continues to evolve, meeting the diverse needs and expectations of a modern audience.
Gallery
