Apple today previewed its upcoming retail store at the renovated Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square in Washington, D.C., just ahead of its grand opening this Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Apple says the store reflects its "most extensive historic restoration project to date," with the company working alongside architecture firm Foster + Partners and conservation experts to restore the building's distinctive early 20th-century Beaux-Arts style, including its marble facade and atrium.
Apple Carnegie Library features a revitalized grand entry plaza on K Street, a new grand entry staircase on Mount Vernon Place, a double-height atrium with an expansive skylight where Today at Apple sessions will be hosted, and a Genius Grove where the library's book stacks were previously housed.
To celebrate the opening, Apple will be hosting special Today at Apple sessions at the store between May 18 and June 29. The so-called StoryMakers Festival, led by GoldLink, Nigel Barker, No Kings Collective, and more, will focus on storytelling with photos, music, video, and art and design.
Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's Senior Vice President of Retail + People:
Whether customers come to explore new products, visit one of our Geniuses or unlock their creativity in a Today at Apple session, Apple Carnegie Library is a place for everyone. We are excited to share this magnificent space with all of our visitors in Washington, D.C., and to provide a home for inspiration for the next generation.
Jony Ive, Apple's Chief Design Officer:
I love the synergy between old and new, the juxtaposition of the historic fabric and contemporary design. In its 'new' phase of life, Apple Carnegie Library will be a way for us to share our ideas and excitement about the products we create, while giving people a sense of community and encouraging and nurturing creativity. It has been a significant honor to restore the Carnegie Library for the people of Washington, D.C.
Carnegie Library also features a new D.C. History Center, which includes the Kiplinger Research Library, three galleries, and a museum store, all owned and operated by the 125-year-old Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
Apple's plans to open a store at Carnegie Library were first revealed back in 2016. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently discussed the store in an interview.
Top Rated Comments
But don't get me wrong, I miss the Apple Store image engrained into my heart... those narrow single or two floor metal clad glass staircase that echo Steve Jobs from every corner.. With the Genius Bar at the back and hipsters passively aggressively fighting with each other to help you - which was fine, because they knew their stuff - and all those fond memories!
Now, my Apple Store is a shell of that where a bunch of 'people dressed in skinny fit Apple shirts' hang around, asking HomePod to play music, looking at you as they continue their conversation and when one does come over, doesn't have too much to say and when you initiate a conversation about "Glad to be back on the Mac" etc, they sort of just laugh and say 'yeah', making you feel like a real saddo for being a loyal Mac user. The checkout process now too is simply too straightforward. Back in the day, I was always offered to go and sit down and set my Mac up straight away upstairs if I wanted, and to give them a shout if I needed help etc.. far from that now :/
Anybody else share this experience?
[doublepost=1557420958][/doublepost]You've never seen an auditorium / presentation area before? What a weird comparison.
I hear the building crying, a little.