Editor’s Note: Ford AV has won the 2025 Commercial Integration Award for Best Museum Project for the Library of Congress – Treasures Gallery! Be sure to visit our official announcement page to see the full gallery of award-winning projects as they are revealed.
The Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, recently unveiled its new Treasures Gallery in the historic Jefferson Building. Designed to make rare artifacts more accessible and engaging, the gallery combines state-of-the-art audiovisual systems with the building’s historic charm. Ford AV, Commercial Integrator’s 2018 Integrator the Year, played a pivotal role in delivering this immersive experience. The award-winning, national audiovisual systems integrator, overcome unique challenges to seamlessly integrate modern technology into a century-old space.
Project Overview
The Library of Congress’s Treasures Gallery was created to showcase America’s history through rare artifacts blending modern technology with historic preservation. Ford AV was tasked with designing and installing advanced audiovisual systems that would enhance visitor engagement while respecting the architectural integrity of the 1897 Jefferson Building.
The gallery features advanced AV elements including projection-mapped windows, interactive touchscreens, immersive audio stations and a multi-screen home movie display. These systems were tailored to highlight artifacts with clarity and emotion creating a dynamic and educational experience for visitors.
Photo by John Knox.
Challenges and Solutions
Transforming a historic space into a modern exhibit came with significant challenges:
- Historic Preservation: AV systems had to integrate seamlessly into the building’s architecture without altering its historic character. Ford AV engineered custom projection screens that fit within the window frames paired with high-resolution Digital Projection E-Vision 11000 4K projectors ensuring stunning visuals without compromising the structure.
- Custom Casework: Fitting AV equipment into custom Italian casework required on-site prototyping and precise planning to maintain the gallery’s aesthetic.
- Shipping Delays: Delays in equipment delivery threatened timelines but Ford AV’s proactive communication and schedule adjustments ensured the project stayed on track.
- Quiet Environment: Directional audio solutions including Soundtube embedded speakers and Molitor induction headsets provided focused sound without disrupting the gallery’s serene atmosphere.
Photo by John Knox.
Key Features
- Interactive Displays: Touch-based stations including a six-station Collections Table with MIMO and Elo touchscreens allow visitors to explore digital content tied to the artifacts.
- Projection-Mapped Windows: Custom-fitted screens and projectors deliver high-resolution visuals while preserving the building’s historic design.
- Immersive Audio: Directional speakers and headsets create personal listening experiences enhancing engagement without disturbing the space.
- Flexible Systems: The AV setup supports rotating exhibits enabling quick content updates to keep the gallery fresh and relevant.
Collaboration and Execution
Ford AV worked closely with the Library’s staff, exhibit designers and fabricators to ensure the project’s success. Acting as a secondary project manager, Ford AV coordinated across multiple trades ensuring timelines and quality standards were met. The installation process required meticulous planning, adaptive problem-solving and tight collaboration to deliver a polished result.
Photo by John Knox.
Customer Reaction
The Library of Congress praised Ford AV’s innovative solutions and collaborative approach. The projection-mapped windows and interactive displays were particularly well-received bringing artifacts to life while maintaining the building’s historic character. The reliability and flexibility of the AV systems exceeded expectations earning recognition from Library leadership and strengthening their confidence in Ford AV for future projects.
