A Grand Edifice
Future Museum Main Building
Often referred to as “temples of transport,” train stations evoked the power and majesty of the railroads that connected our great nation. It is this powerful legacy that inspired the design of the Museum of the American Railroad’s planned main building. The railroads spanned great distances, conquering the physical and political boundaries of a fledgling nation. Each line across our land was punctuated by magnificent train stations. What better way to present one of the finest collections of railway history?
The Museum's main building design captures the spirit of the impression railroads sought to convey to travelers - one of arriving and departing great places with dignity and style. Chosen from several impressive train station designs of the past, the proposed building is a fitting tribute to the Museum's priceless collection of historic trains that once traveled the rails.
This classic design was created by MDC Architects of Chicago and was inspired by the city's Grand Central Station once located in the famous downtown loop. This majestic edifice will house the Museum's indoor facilities, including exhibits, grand hall with mezzanine, auditorium, and classrooms. It will also feature retail and restaurant amenities for visitors, as well as event space including a rooftop terrace. Train stations were cities within cities, designed to cater to the traveling public. This building embraces that concept, with amenities beyond the basic museum formula.
"We are thrilled to present this final set of renderings of a timeless design that also serves the needs of a 21st Century museum. It will stand apart in Frisco as a cultural tourism destination and source of community pride," said Mark Cheng of MDC Architects. The building is consistent with the Museum's original Visions document and Strategic Plan that led to its ambitious move from Dallas to Frisco - that of creating a large urban train station experience in a museum setting.
The main building will follow construction of the massive exhibits pavilion spanning six exhibit tracks that will display the majority of the Museum's rolling stock collection. The building's footprint is a prominent feature on the Museum's site plan developed in 2018.
Museum by day... arts and entertainment by night!
Museums are much more than quiet places of reflection; they are vibrant centers for community activity. The main building will be an inviting and versatile venue for the visual and performing arts. Its grand hall will play host to local artists, celebrating music and culture in spaces that inspire. A roof terrace is planned for outdoor entertainment, transforming day activities into nightlife for public and private events.
Come take a Trip through the Future Museum
Through the vision and expertise of MDC Architects of Chicago, you’re able to fly through the future museum main building, exhibits pavilion, and other exciting structures to house and present our stellar collection. MDC brings their passion for great architecture of the past to create modern designs that celebrate our heritage and inspire new generations. They have worked on such notable projects as the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago. Thanks also to Freeman Ryan Design of Sydney, Australia for their outstanding spatial designs.
Chicago's Grand Central Station (1890), located on Harrison Street, serves as inspiration for the Museum's new main building. Demolished in 1969, it was the first of Chicago's six great train stations to fall. The soaring clock tower and stepped design, along with impressive archways, celebrate its history and the Golden Age of rail travel. It is only fitting that the design of this grand structure lives again, its architectural elements rising from the rubble to inspire new generations in a museum setting.