NMAA Moongate Cafe
The 1987 Shepley Bulfinch entry pavilion of pink and grey granite with pyramidal ceilings, though spacious and light-filled, sat underutilized for many decades and needed a new program.
A temporary coffee stand in 2018 sparked the desire for a permanent cafe in the space, and architrave p.c. launched a feasibility study in 2022 with full design efforts following in 2023.
The Moongate Cafe in the National Museum of Asian Art is a successful result of coordination between administrative and operational expertise, creative MEP routing, and careful architectural detailing.
The project was featured in:
1. Papyrus Magazine Vol. 27 No. 1, May, 2026
2. Washington Post May 15th, 2026
3. Food Service Director (FSD) Magazine February 6th, 2026
4. Axios DC November 24, 2025