National Museum of the American Indian
Preparation Theater
2004 Washington, DC
The museum's orientation theater is based on the idea of the story circle, and reflects two fundamental principles: First, that proper preparation for any action is an essential part of the Native way, and second, that the program itself is to be an essential part of preparation for the visit.
Focusing on issues of importance to the preservation of Native sovereignty and culture, the program takes visitors on a journey across the Americas, visiting Native people who explain the importance of ancestral lands, religion, language, traditions, self-government, and self-expression.
State-of-the-art video systems project images on four screens and a rocklike form in the center of the theater, and on the forty-foot diameter domed ceiling. During the show, programmed lighting illuminates objects in cases among the audience. A surround sound system enables the objects to "speak."
Andrew Merriell was the sole participant employed by Hilferty & Associates in the performance of the work on this project.
Text and Images - Copyright © 2005 - Andrew Merriell & Associates Interpretive Planning & Design