Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, developed in partnership with the National Park Service, serves as a gateway to the rich cultural and historical landscape of the Parkway, which stretches from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. The design of the building draws from the region’s architectural vernacular, inspired by the traditional barns and shelters found throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. Set into the hillside near Asheville, the center evokes a “tree-house” atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the scenic woodlands and majestic vistas that define the Parkway experience. The interior of the Visitor Center includes exhibit spaces that reflect the heritage, development, and cultural significance of the Parkway, as well as regional orientation areas and an immersive digital theater showcasing high-definition films of the area’s natural beauty. The building's careful placement and material choices emphasize a strong connection to the cultural and historical context of the region, blending modern design with a deep respect for the Appalachian landscape and its enduring cultural traditions.