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Committee Critiques African American Museum Plans

December 4, 2009
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By Jamila Bey

Regional advisers had an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed design of the Smithsonian's Museum of African American History and Culture.

While the National Capital Planning commissioners praised the design, but they also listed several concerns:

How well would it would fit with the other monuments on the Mall?

How aesthetically pleasing will be the museum's golden color and nighttime lighting scheme?

Would the five acre building make the adjacent museum of Natural History appear diminutive by comparison?

Lead architect, David Adjaye, says he's not at all disheartened by the scrutiny.

"For me, this is the dream commission of my life I know it's very tough situation but I'm so honored to be making what I think will be a very important part of completing the cultural artifacts of the Washington Mall grounds," Adjaye says.

The architects have six months before commissioners look at their final plans. The museum is expected to open in 2015.

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