National Museum Of The Marine Corps - Triangle VA
N 38° 32.669 W 077° 20.557
18S E 295841 N 4268830
The lopsided steel-and-glass cone with angled spire design of the National Museum of the Marine Corps evokes the image of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima.
Waymark Code: WM925M
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 06/16/2010
Views: 15
The
National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA was designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects. A 210' rectilinear, tapered stainless steel mast extends at an angle from a 160' tall atrium topped with a conical skylight, which is also angled to follow the direction of the mast. The skylight's concrete ring beam is supported by 38 columns and a system of ridge and rib beams.
The design was inspired by the powerful iconic image of the Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima. Curtis Worth Fentress, FAIA, lead designer said, "The design is symbolic, emotional and functional. The upswept image of the Flag Raisers that has been translated into the museum's signature 210-foot mast also recalls the powerful take-off of aircraft, bayoneted rifles in advance, drawn swords at their apogee, howitzers firing at close-range targets and so much more. These images represent the pride, valor, fidelity and esprit of the United States Marine Corps, and are conveyed through the architecture of the National Museum of the Marine Corps."
The museum's structure can be seen soaring skyward by travelers on nearby I-95. It is a part of the Marine Corps Heritage Center which sits adjacent to Quantico Marine Corps Base. The museum and grounds are open daily to the public from 9 AM to 5 PM except for Christmas. Admission is free.
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