National Museum of American Diplomacy

About the museum & collection

Located in Washington, DC, the National Museum of American Diplomacy explores the history, practice and challenges of American diplomacy. Through its exhibitions and programmes, the museum shows how diplomacy affects everyday life and has shaped the nation’s history.

As the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to collecting objects of diplomacy, NMAD holds a growing collection of more than 10,000 items. These objects reveal diplomacy as a dynamic, hands-on practice that takes place far beyond formal meetings and signed treaties. By bringing these stories to life, the museum aims to encourage a deeper understanding of diplomacy and its role in creating a more collaborative world.

Project challenges & requirements

Meyvaert supplied eleven custom showcases for the museum. The scope included eight wall-mounted cases in Hall 1, two freestanding cases and a large wall-standing case in Hall 4.

The showcases had to meet strict conservation and security requirements while supporting an engaging visitor experience. A defining feature of the Hall 1 cases was a movable panel that visitors could operate to reveal the objects. This interactive element also needed to limit the collection’s exposure to light. A manually operated system was initially considered, but Meyvaert identified the need for a safer and more controlled solution.

The project also called for airtight display environments with passive climate control, alongside close integration with lighting, sensors, graphics and internal elements supplied by D&P. The exterior of the Hall 1 cases required a convincing wood appearance while retaining the durability and precision of a metal construction.

Display case solutions & results

For Hall 1, Meyvaert developed a motorised control system that moves the panels smoothly at a programmed speed. The system, which is connected to the internal case lighting, incorporates safety features and a reset function. Visitors can activate the panels at the press of a button, creating an interactive moment while ensuring that movement and light exposure remain controlled.

The wall-mounted cases were finished with a print on powder-coated metal, producing a smooth and durable wood effect. The freestanding cases were designed with integrated pockets so they can be repositioned when required. Their lighting attics are accessible from above, allowing fixtures to be exchanged without opening the display volumes and disturbing the protected environment.

Close collaboration with D&P and involved partners allowed Meyvaert to coordinate these technical elements within a coherent family of showcases. The completed displays combine reliable conservation with intuitive interaction, helping NMAD bring the stories of diplomacy closer to its visitors.