Louis Armstrong House Historical Museum

Add To Collection

Louis Armstrong House Historical Museum

Across the street from Louis Armstrong’s home, the center invites its visitors to enjoy the rich music and many artifacts from this pivotal entertainer. The curving building, diagonally sliced within, recollects both the rough jazz and the love of lyricism that were Louis’ leading achievements. Daylight cuts in and out of exhibit spaces and research rooms, culminating in the Jazz Room where live musicians will open their rehearsals to reveal the living legacy of Louis’ music.Context: A shady side street in a blue-collar neighborhood in Queens. Across the street from the Louis Armstrong House that has already been restored and opened for visits. Brief: A new visitors center to extend the house visitors’ appreciation of Louis Armstrong, the man and the music. Spaces include an exhibit area, a live jazz room, support, offices, and archives with thousands of objects and recordings Response: Respect the contextual heights of the surrounding homes. Create a soft golden glow on the street, inflecting towards and connecting with Louis’ home across the street. Bring daylight into all corners of the building with 2 long light slots and a few limited clerestories. Create rooms, niches, and balconies where earthy, brassy music can be enjoyed, shared, and broadcast.