Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

Inspired by the stunning native landscape of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, the design of this interpretive center and museum immerses visitors in the majesty of the Gorge and its natural and cultural history. Walker Macy’s design restored a degraded industrial site to a natural condition. Positioned to take advantage of panoramic views across the Columbia River and into the protected natural areas around it, the building is intentionally modest, and the site is designed to blend into the surrounding landscape and extend interpretive experiences to outdoor spaces. As part of the establishment of the National Scenic Area, this project was funded by a grant competition for new visitor facilities; Walker Macy’s design restored a former concrete batch plant to native Gorge landscape conditions, demonstrating the importance and potential of Scenic Area stewardship.