Planet Word is a new, start-up museum with a mission of inspiring a love of words and language. Developed by a former reading teacher and philanthropist, the idea for Planet Word is grounded in the belief that language and literacy are the keys to sustaining a vibrant democracy and society.

Planet Word initiated a major adaptive re-use project to convert the former historic Franklin School building in downtown Washington D.C. into a museum space. The program places a strong emphasis on experience-driven, interactive exhibits to create an immersive environment for museum visitors. The innovative project features nine permanent galleries, each with their own voice-activated experience; a standalone, puzzle-solving gallery; a voice-activated 22-foot-high Word Wall; and a 5,000-LED globe with word games.

Zubatkin Owner Representation, a Cumming Group Company, was brought into the project to manage the exhibit development and installation for the project, including the design completion, media production, media integration, graphics development, exhibit installation and commissioning. Working closely with Planet Word and the exhibit design and construction teams, the team also assisted in coordinating the exhibit work with the base building infrastructure and advised on the budget, schedule, and overall project delivery. The firm’s In-House Technical Group assisted in reviewing drawings and managing project risks.

Architect:
Beyer, Blinder, Belle Architects & Planners, LLP (Building Architect)
Local Projects, LLC (Exhibit Design)

Images courtesy of Long Story Short 2020, Photographer DuHon Photography