The building features traveling exhibitions and 10 individualized galleries with interactive displays along with three master databases where audiences can hear the music, watch videos, and read the stories of each inductee. In addition, each gallery houses one-of-a-kind memorabilia and hard-to-find album covers and photographs, important awards, unique art, musical instruments and costumes, tour jackets, and other special items only seen at The Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame Museum.

The design solution needed not only to define and organize spaces, but also conceal building systems for the rest of the three-story building. Three white planes suspended from the ceiling conceal the systems while signifying the first floor public program: retail and reception, lobby, and rotating gallery. The rotating gallery and lobby space serve multiple functions and can be transformed into an event space to accommodate the foundation’s programs and gatherings. Large openings were carved into the south wall and floor of the building to provide access to the lower level hall of fame exhibit and to allow natural light into both levels. The plane over the central lobby leads visitors down to the exhibit by way of the grand staircase clad in wood salvaged from the demolition. A restrained material palette mixes the ‘white box’ art gallery feel with reclaimed wood and weathered steel, paying homage to the vernacular architecture of the delta region.

On the exterior, a cantilevered canopy projects from the historical façade, announcing entry and opening toward the National Civil Rights Museum. This canopy contains signage, provides shelter for tour groups, and emanates a blue glow that, along with the bronze sculpture of Little Milton, have become a landmark within the arts district. Since its inception in 1980, the Blues Foundation has honored over 400 inductees.