ACCIONA Living & Culture, a leading creator of technology-driven interactive museums, exhibits, and events, has announced its involvement in the revitalisation of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration in New York City.
The “Ellis Island Museum Reimagined” initiative is part of a US$100 million revitalisation effort led by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. This project aims to preserve the historic landmark, which is 125 years old and once processed twelve million immigrants, enhance its exhibits, and narrate a richer story of immigration.
ACCIONA Living & Culture is developing and installing audiovisual elements and other technologies to engage visitors. It will redesign installations for a more engaging experience, highlight the museum’s historical architecture, and improve accessibility across its 137,000 square feet.
The institution will continue to operate during the renovations, with new spaces opening in phases beginning at the end of next year. The project is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2026. It is being designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), a multidisciplinary firm specialising in the planning and design of museums, exhibits, educational environments and visitor attractions.
Telling stories with creativity, technology & innovation
The firm, which is part of Spanish renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure firm ACCIONA, was selected for the projects in competitive processes based on its expertise in creating culturally-significant museums around the world. It also recently announced that it has been chosen to carry out another iconic museum project in the same city: The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx.
Alex Manresa, US Director at ACCIONA Living & Culture, says: “The history of immigration through Ellis Island and the contribution of Hip Hop to world culture are two of America’s most compelling and fascinating stories, and we take huge pride in being a part of how they will be told. Over the past 30 years, our expert team has developed a unique approach combining creativity, technology, and innovation, underpinned by a focus on sustainability.
“This approach will be showcased in these two iconic museums in New York, bringing their stories to life for global audiences.”
Collectively, these projects represent a significant advancement in ACCIONA Living & Culture’s aim to enhance its leadership in the museum and exhibitions sector, with additional initiatives planned in the USA.
Earlier this year, ACCIONA Living & Culture hosted the NEXT IN summit in Madrid. This gathered experts from around the world to analyse and reflect on museology and its social impact, both now and in the future.
