Do you remember what the southeast corner of 3rd & Chestnut looked like until a couple years ago? Perhaps this will refresh your memory.
This terrible building was constructed in the 1970s, when the City hatched a genius plan to relocate the Liberty Bell from Independence Hall as part of the celebration of the Bicentennial. People saw what the building was going to look like and aggressively came out in opposition to the plan, ultimately resulting in the bell moving instead to Independence Mall, where it still resides to this day. Inexplicably, the City still built this lousy structure to house the new and uncracked Bicentennial Bell, and the building was eventually a tourist center before sitting vacant for several years.
In 2014, we excitedly shared the news that the building would be demolished and that the Museum of the American Revolution would rise in its place. We haven't checked in on the project in over two years, since the time that demolition activity was just getting started. Needless to say, there's been a ton of progress since then.
The museum was designed by A.M. Stern Architects, and you can see some of the design elements have changed since construction got underway. You can get an idea looking at the images above, but a comparison of renderings is also helpful.
The museum is set to open on April 19, 2017. The museum will use "original artifacts, immersive settings, and dynamic theaters" to teach visitors all about the American Revolution. Somehow, it seems appropriate to visit this site today, as we try to shake off the cobwebs from Independence Day- maybe the fireworks on the museum's opening night won't be quite as damp as last night's show.