The building is composed of a series of pavilions that relate in form and structure to the Library and Museum and recall the historic Dutch Colonial architecture of the Hudson Valley. Gable roofs, fieldstone walls, and long porches protect the building from summer sun and provide gathering places. The pavilions house the principal public spaces of the visitor center: orientation lobby, auditorium, education center, gift shop, and café.
The Center opens onto and shapes adjacent landscapes. Two entrances provide separate access for groups arriving by bus and automobile. The café and multipurpose rooms open onto the courtyard, which is a gathering space for visitors proceeding to the Library and Museum. The conference rooms open toward the neighboring Beatrix Ferrand Garden. New roads and parking are located to provide minimal intrusion on historic vistas and landscapes.
50,000 gross square feet
