Schematic Design Phase Completed

The schematic design phase for the "American Sanctuaries" traveling exhibit has been completed.

“American Sanctuaries” will examine the stories of eight American sacred spaces representing a diversity of religious histories and traditions. Anchored by exhibit areas evoking each of the spaces, the content explores the struggle for religious freedom in the United States through these sanctuaries, built by minority religions as they carved out a place for themselves in our nation. Within each area, elements of each space’s architecture are recreated. Content about the space’s history, people, and religious traditions will accompany the design elements.

The featured spaces are:

• Touro Synagogue, Rhode Island (Jewish)
• Old Ship Meetinghouse, Massachusetts (Puritan/Unitarian)
• Ross Mosque, North Dakota (Muslim)
• Salt Lake Temple, Utah (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
• San Miguel Chapel, New Mexico (Spanish Mission Catholicism)
• Saint Florian Catholic Church, Michigan (Polish Catholicism)
• Ganesh Temple, New York (Hindu)
• Mother Bethel, Pennsylvania (African Methodist Episcopal tradition)

The exhibit will also feature a media experience which explores the concept of sacred space: How does a space become sacred. Are sacred spaces found, built, or both The media will examine Indigenous American concepts of natural and built sacred spaces and the history of sacred spaces in America.

Current plans for the exhibit include several cities in the United States starting in 2027.