Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

Snøhetta · Medora, North Dakota, United States

Design of the Year 2026
Architecture — Cultural
People's Choice Award 2026
Architecture — Cultural
Category Winner 2026
Architecture — Cultural

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library by Snøhetta — Photography: Nic Lehoux

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, designed by Snøhetta in the Badlands near Medora, North Dakota, reimagines the presidential library as an immersive landscape experience where architecture, ecology, and storytelling are inseparable. Guided by the principle that “the Library is the Landscape,” the project integrates exhibitions, education, and community spaces with native prairie, outdoor pathways, and sweeping vistas. Rooted in Roosevelt’s conservation legacy, the regenerative cultural landmark creates a continuous journey connecting visitors to history, ecology, and stewardship.

Studio: Snøhetta
Website: snohetta.com
Location: Medora, North Dakota, United States
Edition: 2026
Discipline: Architecture
Category: Cultural

Project credits

Lead Designer: Snøhetta
Team: Craig Dykers, Michelle Delk, Matt McMahon, Aaron Dorf, Kurt Marsh, Daniel Marty, Prince Langley
Consultants: Design Architect – Snøhetta Design Landscape Architect – Snøhetta Architect of Record – JLG Architects (Johnson Laffen Galloway) Construction Manager (CMaR) – JE Dunn Landscape Architect of Record – Confluence Ecology - RES Civil – Sherwood (Design); AE2s (local) Envelope - Front Structural Engineer – MKA (Magnusson Klemencic); Steyer Engineering (local) MEP/FP/IT – Morrissey Engineering Sustainability– Atelier Ten; JLG Architects (certifications) Lighting, Acoustics, AV, Theater – Arup Traffic Engineering – KLJ Food Service – Ricca Design Studios FF&E – Snøhetta + JLG Security – ZBeta (NIC Direct to Owner) Exhibits – Local Projects, Future of Storytelling (NIC Direct to Owner) Signage & Wayfinding – Snøhetta + Studio Loutsis (NIC Direct to Owner) Geotechnical (NIC Direct to Owner)
Photography: Nic Lehoux