William H. Gross Stamp Gallery Expansion

The Largest Philatelic Gallery in the World

This is a defining moment for the National Postal Museum ... a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create the world’s most premier museum gallery dedicated to philately.

Allen Kane, Director, Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Location:

Washington, D.C.

Client:

Smithsonian Institution

Architect:

Cho Benn Holback + Associates

Additional collaborations with Cho Benn Holback + Associates:

Gallagher & Associates

Additional collaborations with Gallagher & Associates:

Contract Value:

$6,800,000

Size:

14,000 Square Feet

Year Completed:

2013

Certification:

LEED for Commercial Interiors

Sector:

Expertise:

Clark led the construction efforts on the $6.6 million William H. Gross Stamp Gallery Expansion at the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. The world’s premier museum gallery dedicated to philately, the new gallery enables the Smithsonian Institution to increase the visibility of its extensive stamp collections and advance its educational mission, reinvigorate public interest in philately.

The National Postal Museum is located in the old D.C. Post Office Building. Clark Interiors converted the previously occupied first floor Capitol City Brewery, into a permanent exhibition space. The scope of work included construction of a new mezzanine space, renovation of the first and ground levels, and installation of more than 70 exterior windows with images of actual stamps.

The space hosts the largest philatelic gallery in the world and includes philatelic gems like the Hawaiian missionary stamps, the inverted Jenny airmail error stamp, and other rare pieces previously stored in the museum’s vaults. Visitors can enjoy more than 20,000 exhibit pieces, including touch screen interactive displays and artifacts such as a letter mailed aboard the Titanic’s first and only voyage. The gallery’s Stamp Salon includes a 19-foot tall by 55-foot long wall that displays 20 exhibit cases, and a 62-foot arc wall that displays 13 of the most rare and highly-valued stamps.

The 14,000 square-foot project earned LEED for Commercial Interiors certification.

Awards:

AGC of DC - Washington Contractor Award, Interior Project

ENR Mid-Atlantic - Award of Merit, Interiors Project

NAIOP MD/DC Award of Excellence - Best Interiors - Institutional Tenant Space

AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Award