Great River, NY | MBB Architects

The new Visitor Center serves as a welcoming gateway to the Arboretum’s 650 acres of gardens and historic landscape. Designed as a light-filled glass pavilion, it invites visitors to explore interactive exhibits on trees and ecology while maintaining a seamless visual connection to the surrounding grounds. Daylight is maximized through expansive glazing, while the deep overhanging roof minimizes solar gain and glare. Integrated LED downlighting within the overhang provides soft illumination for the terrace and exterior graphic panels during evening and seasonal low-light hours. Inside, L-shaped gallery spaces feature vertical and horizontal exhibits illuminated by concealed linear lighting and low-voltage track recessed into the warm wood-slatted ceiling. Adjustable heads deliver both accent and ambient light, creating an inviting environment that celebrates nature, craftsmanship, and education.