pygmalion karatzas captures the shifting façades of the national WWII museum, new orleans

architectural photographer pygmalion karatzas has shared a series of photos portraying the national world war II museum in new orleans, originally designed by voorsanger mathes LLC. the images dramatically capture the various looming volumes of the building, erected in new orleans to honor those who fought on the side of the allies. 

the building was originally designed by voorsanger mathes
all images © pygmalion karatzas

the intersecting grey façades of the WWII museum are depicted here in stark relief against the grey new orleans sky, and accurately display the angular interplay between cement and glass. interlocking geometries dominate the external envelope of the building, with precast concrete and multi-storey glass panelling balancing both the building’s lighter aspect and its weighty temperament. according to the voorsanger mathes website, the 35 million dollar structure is the most visited destination in new orleans. 

the pictures capture the various looming volumes of the building

the various pavilions within the building guide the visitors’ narrative journey, dubbed by the architects ‘the path to victory’. balconies and walkways intersect overhead, creating an ‘architectural promenade’ that maps out the history of the war within the walls of the museum. the US freedom pavilion is the building’s tallest volume, measuring in at three thousand gross square feet and one hundred feet tall. 

the museum is one of the most visited destinations in new orleans

interlocking geometries dominate the face of the building 

the volumes stand in angular contrast to the grey new orleans sky 

the museum is arranged into a series of transitory pavilions 

the photos capture the angular interplay of concrete and glass

the building’s weighty temperament is balanced by a lighter glass aspect

the building was erected to honor those who fought on the side of the allies

the museum is located in the city’s central business district 

sharp lines and staggered facades lend the building a dynamic, forward moving aspect

inside, exposed technical equipment in the roof and raised metal walkways…

…add to the institution’s military atmosphere 

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