The National Museum of the Marine Corps stands as a testament to the illustrious history of the United States Marine Corps. The museum tells the story of the Marine Corps from its founding as the Continental Marines in 1775 through its nearly 250 history as the country’s fast responding expeditionary force.
From the amphibious landing of marines on the bloody beaches of Tarawa Atoll during World War II, to the brutal fight for survival in frozen mountains surrounding the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, the museum’s large scale dioramas and immersive environments thrust visitors into the stories of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance that have become Marine Corps lore. With a matter-of-fact, unfiltered style typical of the Marine Corps, visitors are plunged into visceral experiences where they gain a better appreciation and understanding of Marine Corps culture and values.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project: National Museum of the Marine Corps Exhibit Hall
Designer: Christopher Chadbourne & Associates, Inc.
Client: Design and Production, Inc.
Size: 70,000 sf (6,503 m²) of total exhibit space
Photography: Jay Rosenblatt
Scope of Work: As the Scenic Contractor to Prime Exhibit Contractor Design and Production, ThemeWorks was responsible for providing numerous dioramas complete with ground forms, artificial foliage, and themed structures, detailed scale models, themed flooring, scenic finishes on walls and vehicles, and several large-scale immersive environments.
ThemeWorks was contracted by Design and Production, Inc to provide all immersive environments, dioramas, and themed structures for the all new museum. ThemeWorks also provided props, detailed scale models, themed flooring, scenic wall treatments, and scenic weathering of vehicles.
From 1940’s sandbags, to 1950’s candy wrappers, and palm trees from the South Pacific, ThemeWorks researched and procured period and geographically accurate props and materials to create the level of detail and historical accuracy that is relished by history buffs and the most discerning of museum goers. The grand opening for this flagship museum of the United States Marine Corps was attended by dignitaries from around the world and included a ribbon cutting by the President of the United States.