The Hirshhorn Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., underwent a high-profile restoration to preserve its unique circular form and extend its service life. The museum faced significant challenges, including deteriorated exterior panels, water infiltration, and an envelope that lacked insulation and moisture protection, which had affected interior finishes.

Wells provided a solution that restored the museum’s exterior while improving durability, energy performance, and safety. The team developed a prefabricated building facade system that met strict historic preservation and aesthetic requirements, ensuring the museum’s original character was maintained while modern performance standards were achieved.

All the restoration work was performed while the museum remained open. The challenging, and often complex, job ultimately brought the iconic museum back to its original grandeur and provided it with a significantly longer service life.