Background and Scope of Work
Located just three blocks from the US Capitol in Washington, DC, Museum of the Bible’s aim is to be among the most technologically advanced and engaging museums in the world. With over 430,000 square-feet, the museum showcases rare artifacts spanning 3,500 years of history and offers visitors an immersive experience with the Bible and its ongoing impact on the world around us. Museum of the Bible’s end goal was to provide a permanent presentation space for all of its world-renowned artifacts that were curated and on loan to other prominent museums around the world.
Washington Professional Systems (WPS) was selected to be the lead integrator for the entire open venue including building-wide audio visual systems throughout the museum, the larger performance hall, meeting spaces, special event spaces, and the executive boardroom.
Through the two year project cycle, WPS would apply its experience with change management and client coordination to deliver a completely integrated system that could be turned over to the museum for public viewing and use within the required timeline.
WPS was tasked with designing and integrating audiovisual systems for the following spaces:
- World Stage Theatre
- Scholar’s Initiative Conference Hall
- Building-wide Digital Signage
- Multi-Purpose Rooms
- 500 Guest Gathering Room (Ballroom)
- Multi-sized Conference Rooms (Including the Executive Boardroom)
Challenges
The 147 Acoustic Speaker System was all seamlessly integrated into the fabric acoustic ribbons throughout the walls and ceilings. These speakers were installed behind the acoustic fabric as not to impact on the 360- degree projection system that the Museum uses to immerse its audience in the ever-changing performance requirements.
Each exhibit area had its own AV integrator which required careful coordination to ensure that the building-wide and performance theatre systems integrated seamlessly.
Outcome
The Museum of the Bible’s benchmark for success was that all areas were built out and accessible by the grand opening day with little to no impact to the museum’s staff and non-staff productions. For WPS, the initial Spec Build was changed to a Design Build after the start of the project giving us additional flexibility in the design and engineering of each system. Ultimately, the entire Museum of the Bible integration project was completed within scope and in time for its grand opening despite the complete overhaul of the original specified design.
HIghlights
Scholar’s Initiative Conference Room
The Scholar’s Initiative Conference Room is a 78-seat conference hall is ideal for small conferences, seminars, and training programs. This fully-featured conference room includes:
- Complete audiovisual and teleconferencing capabilities
- Video projection system with dual 137” projectors
- Audio reinforcement system with wireless microphones
- Multi-language, simultaneous translation via Taiden Congress System
The Gathering Room
The Gathering Room is the Museum of the Bible’s ultra modern and elegant event space for up to 500 people or 400 diners. Located on the 6th or top flood of the museum, the Gathering Room was designed to give guests an unforgettable experience with extraordinary views of Washington, DC. The space includes two large, 11’x17′ media walls with high quality audio, a wireless microphone system, and integrated touchscreen controls of all AV functions.
Executive Board Room
The Executive Board Room is an inviting, but intimate 32-person meeting space with beautifully hand-milled wood finishes and state-of-the-art AV and teleconferencing capabilities.
The Executive Board Room is a superior space with exquisite hand-milled finishes, state-of-the-art AV capabilities, and teleconferencing connectivity.
