The Museum that Doesn't Exist - Yet

My project proposal is centered on a location that does not yet exist: the National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. The idea for a museum was first introduced as bill H.R. 3525 by congresswoman Grace Meng in May 2021 and was signed into law by President Biden on June 13, 2022. Vice President Harris, the first female and first Asian American Vice President, gave a speech at the signing, saying, “Growing up, my mother made sure that my sister Maya and I learned of the important, glorious history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in America.  Because that, of course, is part of the history of America. To teach this history is to help all of us as Americans understand where we come from.  And to teach this history is to help us understand who we are.”

Friends of the National Asian Pacific American Museum (FNAPAM) is a nonprofit organization independent from the Commission and Smithsonian that formed following the signing of H.R. 3525. It supports the bi-partisan Commission that will draft a report to Congress and the President to authorize the museum by coordinating with “the vast network of Asian Pacific American organizations and constituencies.” Their website provides the most up to date information regarding the planning and construction of the museum. Their projected timeline estimates that the Commission’s report to Congress will be submitted in fall 2025, the site selection and funding appropriation will be finalized by the end of 2030, and construction and exhibition design will begin by 2034.

That being said, my proposal is reliant on this timeline remaining as close to the projected schedule as possible. Although the drawback is that my proposed performance date is over a decade in the future, the silver lining is the potential to include a designated performance space and/or multipurpose room in the early construction design plans. Currently, the Friends of NAPAM’s listed objectives are to “[develop] concepts for immersive museum exhibitions,” “explore the ‘museum as incubator’ concept,” “evaluate the viability of various revenue streams, including evening hours, concept dining, and live theater, music, and dance performances,” and “share the program results and beta proof-of-concepts for consideration with the Commission, key decision-makers, and members of Congress.”

In addition to my grand opening week of performances, I am also proposing that the Commission and construction designers prioritize living exhibitions along with traditional exhibition spaces. As the newest Smithsonian building, this museum should reflect the modernity of technologically mediated spaces and community spaces that welcome visitors to engage personally with the content. I imagine a multipurpose room could fulfill all of the objectives by providing a dedicated space for short-term, immersive experiences; for hosting evening events and performances to boost revenue; and for bringing the Asian community back together in a safe space, especially following widespread anti-Asian hate in the U.S. during the 2020 COVID pandemic. I think it is important to establish a permanent living museum and community space rather than treat living exhibitions as one-off events. 

 I propose a convertible theatre space with plenty of natural light not only to be more eco-friendly but also to open the community space to the outside world, blurring the lines between exhibition space and public space. I am inspired by Michaelis Theatre, which has built in auditorium seating and production capabilities while also breaking down to become a more casual class and rehearsal space. Similarly, my undergraduate university also had a similar convertible space, but rather than built in seating, the theatre production team would set up tiered seating for specific events, allowing for more open floor space when a seated audience was not required. Both feature large windows with black out blinds along with a cyclorama installed in the back for projections and lighting. Myers studio also includes wings and an auxiliary backstage room hidden from view when not in use.