A Patriotic Transformation of Flag Hall

May 5, 2026

Lighting at the NBWA Legislative Conference’s “Cheers” event served as a powerful design element, creating a patriotic transformation of Flag Hall at the Smithsonian Museum of American History into a living expression of American heritage.

Strategic uplighting in a red, white, and blue palette washed the space in color. Bands of light were placed beneath the flag installation and extended downward. This created a layered effect that emphasized both height and structure. The result was an immersive environment that wrapped guests in color and emotion.

Lighting remained flexible throughout the evening. Professionally controlled fixtures enabled seamless transitions. The environment went from a bold, high-energy walk-in moment to more refined tonal shifts as the night unfolded.

Custom gobo projections added another layer to the design story, with the NBWA mark cast to the left of the flag wall—reinforcing brand presence without overwhelming the overall composition. LED uplights were thoughtfully placed near buffet areas, ensuring visual consistency while allowing key moments to shine.

Lighting the Story: A Patriotic Transformation

Beneath the flag, a panoramic installation introduced warmth and familiarity. Oversized NBWA “CHEERS” marquee letters glowed with soft white bulbs, grounding the boldness of the lighting with a celebratory, almost nostalgic touch. The base could shift in tone through a clean black stand, tailored navy skirting, or classic patriotic bunting—offering flexibility within the overall design. Asymmetrical balloon arches, accented with oversized metallic stars, introduced movement and play, balancing structure with festivity.

At the heart of the room, a striking vertical installation anchored the main bar. A cluster of oversized, 12-point inflatable stars in red, white, and blue rose dramatically from a 16-foot black support, creating a sculptural focal point visible from across the hall.

Below, an illuminated four-piece bar wrapped in NBWA and sponsor branding provided a strong visual foundation. Together, these elements created a dynamic interplay of symmetry, height, and grounding.

In the buffet areas, floral elements introduced a sense of season and place. Blooming white cherry blossom branches and tulips evoked Washington, DC in spring. Six grand arrangements, set in marble urns along the buffets, featured lush hydrangea and French tulips. This offered a refined counterpoint to the graphic strength of the lighting and installations.

The result was a space that felt both powerful and welcoming. A celebration of heritage told through the layering of design elements that invite guests not just to observe, but to feel part of the experience.