About the Project

Imagine the Manassas Museum as a place where you and your family would love to be. Imagine a new addition with room for exciting exhibits and programs that are interesting and engaging. Or maybe a new activity room where imaginative discovery knows no bounds. 

The Museum’s Origins
Originally planned as a temporary exhibit to celebrate the centennial of the City’s founding in 1873, the Museum opened in 1974 in leased space and relocated to the current permanent facility in 1991. The building was designed by noted architect, Carlton Abbott, of Carlton Abbott and Partners in Williamsburg, Virginia. Designed to provide homage to the City’s agricultural and Civil War history, with traditional materials and a fort-like form, the building has served the community well, hosting exciting exhibits and community events.  The front lawn of the building serves as the City’s “town green” and hosts a variety of formal and informal events and activities. 

Previous Expansion Plans
An expansion of the museum was planned in 2008 but was set aside due to the economic conditions at the time. Between then and now the City has explored a variety of options for expanding the museum including building a new structure that would house both the museum and a new public library. Based on community input and the economic realities of construction costs it was determined that the Manassas City branch of the Prince William Library System would initially be housed in a storefront and the focus for the Manassas Museum would be on renovating the existing building and adding a special exhibits gallery that could also be used for programs and events.

The (Re) Imagine Project
The City has engaged Baltimore firm GWWO Architects to design the renovation/addition, assisted by local civil engineering company Ross France and landscape architects RHI. Your (re)imagining of the Manassas Museum will help inform the design of the renovation/addition.

See the March 2, 2021 GWWO presentation to the Historic Resources Board and Architectural Review Board

We will post presentations, plans and submissions on this page.  Check back often for updates!