The Experiential Design Index

Ellis Island Museum Reimagined — Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Ellis Island Museum Reimagined, a $100 million, phased revitalization of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration in New York Harbor, is expected to complete in 2026; exhibit design is by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, with acoustic and audio consulting by SH Acoustics.

VenueEllis Island National Museum of Immigration
Project typeMajor Renovation
StatusAnnounced
Year expected2026 (announced)
Technologieslarge-scale video screen, architectural media frieze

Credits

FirmRoleNote
Ralph Appelbaum Associates Exhibit Design
SH Acoustics Acoustic Consulting Integrated acoustic and audio consulting across the museum's revitalized exhibit environments and supporting base-building infrastructure — exhibit acoustics, audio systems design, architectural acoustics, sound isolation, and building noise/vibration control across 100,000+ sq ft.

Description

The project expands the visitor journey across all three floors of the historic Main Building while integrating newly opened portions of the former Kitchen and Laundry Building; new exhibits include a cross-section of a 19th-century immigrant ship, a recreation of a Hester Street pushcart, and a 120-foot-wide video screen, alongside infrastructure upgrades (HVAC, electrical, Wi-Fi, restrooms).

Sources