Seneca Group, A Cumming Group Company
Museum of Flight Personal Courage Wing
Cultural

Museum of Flight Personal Courage Wing

Museum of Flight

|

Seattle, WA

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Phase I of four-phase campus master plan, adding 93,000 SF of new exhibit, archive, and visitor space
  • Complex integration of exhibits, large-scale artifacts, and specialized building systems within a highly curated environment
  • New entry experience featuring an expanded lobby, enhanced visitor amenities, and gift shop expansion
  • Development of 4 new aircraft hangars at adjacent King County International Airport
Project size

93K SF

Completion date

2004

Challenge

The Museum of Flight sought to implement the first phase of an ambitious four-phase master plan that would expand exhibit capacity, improve the visitor experience, and create space for future collection growth. The project required balancing the needs of immersive exhibit environments, archives, public spaces, and aviation support facilities while coordinating development across both the museum campus and adjacent airport property. As a nonprofit institution, the Museum also needed to align fundraising efforts, permitting, budgets, and project phasing to ensure the long-term vision could be successfully realized.

Solution

We partnered with the Museum of Flight as a trusted advisor, overseeing development of the overall campus master plan and leading implementation of Phase I. Our team guided permitting, procurement, budgeting, scheduling, design management, and construction oversight while coordinating stakeholders across the Museum, design team, contractors, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies. By aligning project scope, funding strategies, and delivery requirements, we helped transform the Museum’s long-term vision into an achievable and well-executed first phase that established the foundation for future campus growth.

Outcome & Impact

The Personal Courage Wing significantly expanded the Museum’s ability to preserve and share the history of military aviation through immersive exhibits, historic aircraft, and powerful personal narratives. The new galleries, archives, visitor amenities, and aviation support facilities strengthened both the visitor experience and the Museum’s operational capacity, positioning the institution for future growth. As the first phase of a broader campus master plan, the project helped establish the Museum of Flight as one of the nation’s premier aviation museums while creating a lasting educational and cultural resource for the region.

Services Provided

Image Gallery

Project Sector

Cultural
Sector
Sector Icon

Cultural

Cultural institutions rely on thoughtful planning and disciplined execution to bring their visions to life. We guide projects from early strategy through opening day, helping institutions create spaces that inspire visitors, strengthen community connection, and deliver lasting cultural and civic value.

Learn More

Project Partners

NBBJ

Architect

Sellen Construction

GC

Our Work

Explore our Museum of Flight Projects

See how we support complex, large-scale initiatives through disciplined planning and execution.

View Work

Similar Projects

We partner with museums and cultural institutions to transform ambitious visions into enduring public spaces. From exhibit-focused expansions to campus-wide developments, our work helps organizations enhance education, engagement, and community impact.

Sectors

From corporate to cultural, our cross-sector expertise drives results where it matters most.

Learn how our experience can support your next project.