The Faith and Liberty Discovery Center
Illuminating the spiritual DNA of American democracy.
Overview
Situated directly on Independence Mall, the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center took on a bold challenge: to argue that the American experiment wasn't just political—it was spiritual. We designed the museum to be a physical exploration of the values that built the nation. Rather than a dry timeline of dates, the experience is a journey through the abstract concepts of Liberty, Justice, and Hope, using immersive media to show how these ideals have been defined and defended by everyone from the Founding Fathers to modern Civil Rights leaders.
Partners
JacobsWyper Architects
Services
Master Planning, Exhibit Design, Content Development, Media Design, Media & Software Development
When the American Bible Society first planned to put its Faith and Liberty Discovery Center at 5th and Market Streets, it realized what it meant to be located across the street from Independence Mall. The new museum about the religious roots of the nation triangulates itself in relation to the founding documents of American democracy.
The Details
The experience was designed to act as a dialogue, not a monologue. We equipped visitors with a "digital torch" (The Lamp) that transforms the visit into a personal quest for meaning. As guests move through the galleries, they "capture" the quotes, songs, and stories that resonate with them personally. This journey culminates in the Unity gallery, where these individual choices are woven together into a collective data portrait. This visualization allows visitors to discover unexpected alignments with strangers, revealing the shared threads that bind a diverse nation together.
