Repainting the National Museum of the United States Army
by CertaPro Painters® of Springfield, VA
Updating a One-of-a-Kind Display
Our team had the honor of painting the interior and exterior of the National Museum of the United States Army, located in Fort Belvoir, VA. The National Museum of the United States Army provides the only comprehensive portrayal of US Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American Soldier. The museum honors our nation’s soldiers—past, present, and future—and free to the public every day of the year with the exception of Christmas day.
Painting the interior and exterior of the museum was a large undertaking. The museum is three stories tall, 185,500 square foot facility consisting of 11 galleries and nearly 1,390 artifacts. Our team worked through each floor as well as the basement levels to bring it back to it’s original, opening-day glory. Our commercial painters completed the entirety of the project in nine weeks, working off-hours as to not disturb those wishing to visit the museum. Check out more of our process below!
About the Project:
Condition of Facility:
The museum is a relatively new facility that formally opened on Veterans Day 2020. It is similar in size and scope to the Smithsonian Museums, located 16 miles to the north in Washington, DC.
The team was tasked with updating and repainting galleries and public spaces within the museum, including, but not limited to:
- Main entrance
- Stairway to the 2nd floor galleries
- Gift shop
- Café and kitchen area
- Experiential Learning Center
- Army Theater
- Veterans’ Hall
- 3rd floor staff offices
- 4th floor staff offices
- Basement service areas
The goal was to bring these areas back to their original opening condition.
Project Involvement:
Because the project is open to the public nearly every day of the year, the team worked after after hours from 5pm until 2am most days.
In addition to painting 27,000 square feet of walls, the team also painted 64 doors & frames, made drywall repairs and installed 54 corner guards (metal and clear plastic) throughout the facility.
A lift was required to repair cracking drywall on a 25-foot wall in three areas of a gallery. The painting team was required to be certified lift operators to complete this task.
After completion of the night’s work, an inspection team from the museum reviewed the work to ensure it matched the high standards of the US Army.
Special Challenges:
- Working at night
- Daily work inspections
- Finding matching paint for various areas (due to original products being out of production)
- Working in a museum environment
Project Timeline:
Approx. Nine Weeks (Sept. – Nov. ’23)
Soldiers' Stories Exhibit
These personal accounts of ordinary men and women from all historic periods offer Museum visitors a unique perspective of the Soldier’s experience.
Mindfulness to Exhibits
Our painters were extremely careful and respectful throughout the museum painting process as there were hundreds of priceless exhibits to consider.
The Learning Lab
Along with discussions and talks from prominent figures, the museum offers more unique learning experiences. The Learning Lab is the Museum’s classroom and group program space.
Public Programs Space
The museum offers programs to help others more about Army history and traditions through education programs and activities which explore the accomplishments, sacrifices, and commitment of American Soldiers.
The Gift Shop
Our painters also freshened up the museum gift shop so visitors can take a piece of the museum experience home with them.
Museum Office Painting
The offices throughout the building also got an updated paint job. Where we work can have an impact on how we feel, and we want these dedicated museum workers feeling their best.
The crew was very professional, did a great job and our job supervisor communicated very well each day. This was a large project and they went above and beyond. Thank you!
- Shruti D. | Springfield, VA
