Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine

GWWO Architects as Architects

GWWO designed a new 17,655-SF visitor center to accommodate increased visitation to the nearly 200-year-old star-shaped fort which provided the inspiration for Francis Scott Key’s authorship of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Completion was celebrated in March 2011. The new facility, which achieved LEED Gold Certification, provides a sustainable, functional, and accessible environment to orient visitors to the urban park and to introduce them to the resource and its story.


The primary inspiration for the design came from our nation’s most significant symbol—the Star-Spangled Banner. The two curved walls of the building reflect the dynamic nature of the flag and all it represents. The juxtaposition of the two walls—clad in distinct materials—evokes the meanings behind the flag’s stripes. Brick, strong and solid, expresses the hardiness and valor represented by the red stripes, while the thin and more delicate copper façade expresses the purity and innocence represented by the white. The curved walls also acknowledge the Fort and its flag, directing the visitor’s eye toward the flag and creating a visual dialogue between the Fort and the visitor center.


Inside the building, a light-filled lobby with central information desk greets visitors and serves as the organizing element from which public spaces, including the immersive exhibit/theater space, multi-purpose room and gift shop, are accessed. The second level houses park offices and support spaces, including a break room with exterior terrace that offers picturesque views to the Fort.

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