The Heard Museum Shop

The celebration of the art and culture of Native Americans has been the mission of this internationally recognized museum since its founding in 1929. The user experience culminates in a high-end retail experience that needed to be more than just a gift shop – it was to be renovated to be an extension of the gallery’s refined exhibitions. The challenge was to simplify the cluttered ceiling and provide museum quality illumination that would show the artifacts in their ‘best light.’

The design team reimagined the historic space with a modern take on southwestern heritage and a timeless, Santa Fe inspired aesthetic. Each space features unique ceilings, doors, and display case treatments of reclaimed wood and custom hand carved designs. The lighting needed to integrate into the architecture and ‘disappear’ while appropriately showcasing the wide variety of artifacts of Native artisans. Only the finest in authentic Native American jewelry, pottery, basketry, paintings, sculpture, Katsina dolls and weavings are selected for sale.

Glare was significantly reduced by using recessed fixtures in most ceilings and installing reveals in millwork that shielded the LEDs from normal viewing angles. Contrast ratios were elevated to highlight artwork and minimize the ambient light levels to maintain a dramatic mood to the space.

Throughout the 8,633SF shop, energy efficient LED fixtures replaced existing halogen lamps to reduce the energy usage. All lamps were specified to be a unform 3000K with the highest CRI available.

A new dimming system was provided with zones to balance ambient and accent lights with the use of preset scenes and touchscreens in each space for fine tuning. Automated night scenes were programmed to reduce energy.

The two-year, four-million-dollar project was made possible by individual and institutional donors to support the arts and have a positive impact for the Native American community.