National Center for the Preservation of Democracy

The new National Center for the Preservation of Democracy is an educational institution that engages individuals in the examination of their rights, freedoms and responsibilities and explores the intersections among diverse cultural experiences. The National Center is housed in the Japanese American National Museum’s renovated and expanded Historic Building, a former Buddhist Temple, designed by architect Edgar Cline, and built in 1925. A 10,000 square foot addition was constructed on the north end of the existing building, housing both an entrance lobby as well as a 200-seat Forum. The architecture of the addition responds to the scale and context of the Historic Building in height, mass and horizontal elements. Its exterior is a metal and glass curtain wall of various tints and textures that enables visibility between the Forum and the Plaza, creating a sense of transparency and access that serves as a reminder that democracy is shaped through the involvement and engagement of individuals. The Forum is designed to host town hall meetings, lectures, educational programs: a space that fosters dialogue and debate to educate and engage visitors. The National Center was opened in 2005.