Creating the Premiere Transportation Museum in the Southwest
Building on Our Accomplishments…
In 2006, the Museum developed a forward-thinking document called Visions. It was a bold, exciting conceptual plan for a 40+ year-old museum with seemingly insurmountable obstacles to growth and sustainability. That plan was the springboard for a strategic outlook created by Los Angeles-based M. Goodwin & Associates later that year. The executive summary caught the attention of the City of Frisco which was searching for a cultural tourism destination that celebrated its railroad roots. What followed was a herculean project to relocate the Museum and construct all new facilities. The rest is history!
Today, the Museum of the American Railroad boasts two landmark structures, and 65 historically significant locomotives and rail cars displayed on 12,000 feet of track. A 4,000 sq. ft. restoration & maintenance shop was constructed in 2022 to care for the rolling stock collection. Over 43,000 sq. ft. of concrete walkways and platforms have been constructed along with an underground utilities network that will support future construction phases.
But we are not resting on our laurels! The last major phase of construction was completed in late 2023. What lies head is undoubtedly the most exciting phase of the Museum’s development. Finally, the stunning buildings and structures will emerge from the ground creating a spectacular venue that is befitting a collection of railroad history of national significance.
This website will take you on an exciting journey through the next phases of construction that help visualize what was once only a dream. We stand on the precipice of making the following images reality as we build on our accomplishments to date. All aboard and enjoy!
Form Follows Function
Building Layout is Inspired by Spatial Design Priorities
MDC Architects of Chicago has further refined their overall layout of the Museum here. The main building in this animation uses key architectural elements from one of Chicago’s most beloved train stations. These features have been incorporated into the design - most notable a soaring clock tower and dramatic arches along the main facades. The main building will feature a two-story grand hall and mezzanine along with exhibit galleries, theater, educational wing, and administrative offices. Other facilities include retail, restaurant, and lavish public events space. Take a trip to the future and enjoy what’s in store!
The stunning image featured on this website’s home page is a painting by legendary artist John Winfield. Through his talent, one can almost experience standing in the Museum’s concourse area at the foot of Exhibit Tracks 1-10. Six of the Museum’s superlative locomotives are exhibited side-by-side as if steeds about to embark on a great race. The concourse is a transitional area between the rear facade of the main museum building and the massive open-truss Exhibits Pavilion.
Bird’s-Eye Views Show Great Progress to Date
The Museum's 12.5-acre outdoor facility is clearly seen in this aerial view captured in late 2024. Some 12,000 ft. of trackage and 43,000 sq. ft. of concrete walkways and platforms are evident in this image. These improvements represent the necessary infrastructure to present the historic rolling stock and provide walking access to the entire collection. This view illustrates how the Museum is integrated into the Frisco Cultural and Rail Districts. It is an integral part of the downtown synergy and a bookend to the future Grand Park. The Frisco Discovery Center and Library complex is the large building at center left. The Discovery Center houses the Museum's TrainTopia indoor model train exhibit. To the right is BNSF's Madill Subdivision line which connects the Museum's trackage just to the north.
Image courtesy of Museum Trustee Robert Willis.
Take a sky-high ride from the ground up and see the Museum’s infrastructure unfold before your eyes! Starting with Dallas Union Terminal locomotive #7, the Museum’s ten exhibit tracks are populated with 65 historic locomotives and rail cars fanning out over nearly 15 acres. Other videos on this website will show the dramatic transformation of future buildings and site improvements. This includes construction of a 95,000 sq ft Exhibits Pavilion reminiscent of train sheds at great railway terminals around the world. The future main Museum building will be located at left in the aerial view. The Museum’s restoration shops will be constructed in the foreground, featuring car and locomotive servicing facilities and paint shop. Dallas Union Terminal locomotive #7 almost appears to be a scale model as this drone video takes flight over the Museum’s ten exhibit tracks.
Video courtesy of Museum Trustee Robert Willis.