The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Illinois explores the life of the 16th US president and his legacy, all in the context of wider US history.Occupying an entire city block in downtown Springfield, Illinois, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is the largest Presidential Museum. With over 50,000 square feet devoted to state-of-the-art full-immersion exhibits, special effects theaters and displays of original artifacts, it is also the first major Experience Museum of its kind.
Instead of the traditional museum design of static exhibits with flat images and dead objects in glass boxes, this Museum employs 21st century technology to bring 19th century history to life. Bringing education, storytelling, and advanced entertainment technology together in a truly innovative way, the museum invites, guides, and envelops visitors in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.
Designed, created and produced by BRC Imaginations Arts, for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the museum combines scholarship with showmanship. More than 36 scholars, historians, teachers, and historical advisors – including some of the world’s foremost authorities on Lincoln’s life and presidency, as well as 41 other organizations, gave rigorous input and guidance to the creation of this ground-breaking museum.
Designed from the inside out, the concept and experience design were created before the building itself. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum engages visitors in a new way, leaving them more informed and inspired than when they entered the museum.
The Plaza is at the center of the museum, an open gathering place from which all the areas of the museum are accessed. All galleries and experiences are arranged around the Plaza, which becomes a central orientation point. It welcomes and invites visitors to journey through the remarkable life and times of Abraham Lincoln, from his childhood through his presidency.
