Vesterheim is extremely pleased to announce that it has accepted a proposal from the distinguished international architectural firm Snøhetta to develop a master plan and design vision for the museum’s facilities in Decorah, Iowa.

The goal of this master planning project is to create a bold and coherent vision for future museum campus development that builds upon previous work.

With main offices in Oslo, Norway, and New York City, Snøhetta’s past projects include the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet in Oslo, Norway, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion and the redesigned public space in Times Square, both in New York City (all pictured below.)

The master planning process is expected to commence in February 2019 and be completed later that summer. It will consider planning strategies and reconfiguration of the site, as well as the potential of new building additions and possible modification of existing structures.

The completion of this master plan will help to guide future development that supports Vesterheim’s overall mission to celebrate the living heritage of Norwegian immigrants to America and to share this cultural legacy for the inspiration and enrichment of people of all backgrounds.

“We at Vesterheim are excited about what this working relationship will achieve to shape the museum and its facilities for the next generation of visitors,” Chris Johnson, Vesterheim’s President/CEO said. “As the process moves forward, you can expect updates as plans develop.”