The Hermitage Visitor and Education Center

The Andrew Jackson Foundation's $132 million plan for The Hermitage replaces the 1989 visitor center with a 70,000-square-foot visitor and education center designed by Perkins&Will under the concept "Held by the Land." The building follows the natural contours of the property with much of it below grade to preserve views across the historic grounds, reached by a new tree-lined approach and re-oriented walking paths. Exhibits are by Gallagher & Associates. A $6 million outdoor amphitheater and visitor comfort facility, funded by a state appropriation, is the first phase; fundraising and construction are expected to take four to five years.