The Smithsonian Channel aired an episode of How Did They Build That? featuring the creation of the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas. The program examined the architectural and engineering process behind the 102,000 square foot building, which opened earlier this year as a tribute to Medal of Honor recipients.
Footage filmed by the City of Arlington gave viewers access to behind-the-scenes construction moments. The segment focused on the challenges of executing architect Rafael Viñoly’s vision, particularly the suspended steel Exhibition Hall designed to hover above the museum grounds. Engineers raised the 200 by 200 foot hall 40 feet above the plaza using five massive steel columns, each representing one of the traditional branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Architectural Vision and Engineering Challenges
The team shaped the Exhibition Hall using metal panels to convey the strength of fire-forged steel. The design demanded technical precision to lift and support a massive steel volume while giving the impression of effortlessness. This suspension serves as the museum’s most recognizable feature, intended to reflect the physical and moral strength of those who receive the Medal of Honor.
Viñoly’s plan centered on this visual gesture, raising a structure that appears to defy gravity. The result required extensive structural innovation and exacting execution. The team aligned form with purpose, using materials and mass to convey weight, resilience, and the lasting impression of valor.
Colonel Neel E. Kearby Theater Honours a Local Hero
The episode also presented the Colonel Neel E. Kearby Theater, located within the museum. Named for the Arlington-born World War II pilot, the theater recognizes Kearby’s achievements and posthumous Medal of Honor award. His record as one of the war’s most decorated fighter pilots links Arlington’s local history to the broader military narrative the museum preserves.
This space functions as both a commemorative venue and a storytelling device, tying individual legacy to national memory. The inclusion of Kearby’s name adds a personal dimension to the larger themes of courage and sacrifice that guide the institution.
Museum Opens with Interactive Public Exhibits
The National Medal of Honor Museum officially opened its doors on March 25, 2025. Located in Arlington, Texas, it provides visitors with a series of immersive displays centered on the experience and values of Medal of Honor recipients. Exhibitions introduce the public to military stories of valor, using interactive formats to engage a broad audience.
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The museum offers more than static displays. It creates an active experience that reflects the individual efforts of service members past and present. Through these features, the museum functions as a national landmark and an educational hub.
Griffin Institute Expands Museum Mission Nationwide
The institution also includes the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute. This initiative extends the museum’s message to classrooms, companies, and community organizations across the country. The Institute develops programming and curriculum based on the values connected to the Medal of Honor, such as integrity, citizenship, and courage.
By bringing these themes beyond the walls of the museum, the Griffin Institute supports learning and conversation in everyday settings. It seeks to demonstrate how stories of valor can influence behavior and mindset outside of military contexts.
Future Monument in Washington, D.C.
In 2021, Congress passed the National Medal of Honor Monument Act. This law approved the construction of a permanent monument in Washington, D.C., dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients. The monument will offer another location for reflection and public engagement, complementing the museum’s presence in Arlington.
When completed, the D.C. site will serve as a physical reminder of the values represented by the Medal of Honor. It will provide both Americans and international visitors with a dedicated space to consider the actions and decisions that protect democratic freedoms.
Architectural Landmark with National Purpose
The How Did They Build That? episode offered a full account of how the Museum came together, from design and engineering to cultural meaning. Through structure and story, the National Medal of Honor Museum invites visitors to reflect on sacrifice, courage, and the personal strength found in service. Its presence in Arlington marks a new chapter in how the United States preserves and presents the narratives of its military history.
