Planning the Institutional History Museum – Institutional History Museum & Galleries

Last updated on September 24, 2025

Plans for the Institutional History Museum (IHM) have progressed at a rapid pace since the publication of the campus master plan and strategic plan. In October 2022, the champions of the project —known as the Museum Working Group (MWG) — established a committee including trustees, administrative staff, faculty, and alumni to bring into clear focus the mission and vision for the new museum. Architectural firm Quinn Evans and museum consultants, Gallagher & Associates, joined the project in 2023.

As currently envisioned, the facility will have approximately 40,000 gross square feet with multiple galleries that feature professional and student exhibits spanning the University’s long history. A permanent gallery will examine the full legacies of namesakes George Washington and Robert E. Lee and their overall contributions to education at W&L. Renderings of the new facility were released in 2024 alongside the announcement of the chosen construction site. The new facility will be built on a site near the intersection of Jefferson and Washington streets, at the northern end of the Corral parking lot.

The Corral was chosen for its highly visible proximity to both the town and campus, its multiple connection points via pedestrian networks and roads, the opportunity to enhance the lawn, the proximity to the University Chapel and campus historic district, and the opportunity to expand parking.

Architectural rendering of the future IHM with the Chapel in the foreground and a view of downtown Lexington at the background. The rendering is done in a bright watercolor style and has a bright blue sky that contrasts the brown of the brick buildings. — Chapel with IHMG in the rear view.

Rendering of IHMG building in watercolor style in brick with green lawn and trees surrounding. — Chapel with IHMG in the rear view.

In early 2025, in addition to hiring the first staff members of the IHMG, the department announced the receipt of a key leading gift from Bill (class of 1988) and Wendy Payne to the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign. This gift will be used as a challenge to inspire additional giving that will make the IHM possible. Fundraising continues as an initiative of the Leading Lives of Consequence campaign. [GU1]

In the coming months, the IHMG team and Museum Working Group will collaborate with Gallagher & Associates to develop a Visitor Experience Plan for the new facility with useful insights gleaned from the early 2025 stakeholder survey. This plan will outline strategies for engaging with visitors to the new museum, beginning before their first visit and extending far past their departure. Behind the scenes, the IHMG staff are researching the history of the University, sourcing the collection, and developing collaborative partnerships with campus and community entities.