{"id":6632,"date":"2024-12-12T12:36:14","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T17:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nbm.org\/?p=6632"},"modified":"2025-01-22T12:16:10","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T17:16:10","slug":"the-national-building-museum-unveils-hidden-treasures-with-opening-of-new-permanent-exhibition-visible-vault-open-collections-storage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nbm.org\/the-national-building-museum-unveils-hidden-treasures-with-opening-of-new-permanent-exhibition-visible-vault-open-collections-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"The National Building Museum Unveils Hidden Treasures with Opening of New Permanent Exhibition VISIBLE VAULT: Open Collections Storage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2014 <\/strong>Thousands of artifacts rarely on public display will be on view starting Saturday, December 14 <\/em><\/strong>\u2014<\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013December 12, 2024<\/strong>\u2014The National Building Museum is thrilled to provide unprecedented access to thousands of artifacts that have been stored behind closed doors, some of them for decades. VISIBLE VAULT: Open Collections Storage<\/em><\/strong> is a new permanent exhibition that opens to the public on Saturday, December 14, 2024, and showcases both significant and commonplace historical artifacts ranging from the 1800\u2019s to the present day. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity for visitors to experience the breadth and depth of the Museum’s permanent collection, shedding light on America’s architectural and design heritage in a dynamic, accessible way. <\/p>\n\n\n

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“By bringing thousands of artifacts\u2014many of which have never been on display\u2014out of storage, we are not only celebrating America’s architectural and design legacy, but also transforming how we engage with and understand the built environment,” said Aileen Fuchs, president and executive director of the Museum. \u201cEvery artifact has a fascinating story and we are excited to share them with the public. By opening our vaults and allowing visitors to do a deeper dive using digital tools, we are creating a more inclusive experience that invites audiences to explore, learn, and connect with the history of the places and spaces that shape our lives.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VISIBLE VAULT<\/em><\/strong> will feature more than 2,500 artifacts that have previously been inaccessible due to their size, scope, and material complexity. <\/em><\/strong>This display represents highlights from the Museum\u2019s massive collection of 500,000 artifacts and includes objects such as architectural blueprints and models, bricks, plaster molds, photographs, building fragments, toy collections, souvenir buildings, drafting tools and historical building equipment. In addition to custom display cabinetry, the exhibition contains numerous file drawers that visitors are encouraged to open to discover light-sensitive pieces like drawings, construction toys in their original boxes, and small items like product samples and dollhouse furniture. The Museum will regularly rotate artifacts to share new acquisitions and work contributed by its partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the highlights of the exhibition are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n