Location: Arlington, TX, USA
Opening: 2025
Seats: 233
Product: TS-71 Seating
Website: mohmuseum.org
A Living Monument
The National Medal of Honor Museum is envisioned as a living monument—an architectural tribute that honors the courage, sacrifice, and service of Medal of Honor Recipients while inspiring visitors to embody those same values. At the heart of the museum’s bold design is a 200-by-200-foot Exhibition Hall suspended 40 feet in the air, supported by five monumental columns representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, and an oculus that symbolizes the U.S. Space Force.
Within this structure, the Col. Neel E. Kearby Theater serves as the programming centerpiece. Featuring 3,100 square feet of space, including a 1,000-square-foot stage and seating for 233 guests plus six ADA-compliant spaces, the theater provides a world-class venue for speaking engagements, seminars, workshops, and live broadcasts.
Design for Flexibility and Inclusivity
The theater reflects broader trends in public and cultural spaces, where flexibility, inclusivity, and immersive storytelling are essential. Rather than serving as a static auditorium, the Kearby Theater integrates advanced audiovisual capabilities and intentional design to create a dynamic and engaging environment. Its layout supports both solemn ceremonies and interactive educational programming, aligning with the museum’s mission to reach visitors across generations.
Seating that Enhances the Experience
KSI (Kotobuki Seating International) supplied the TS-71 seating, chosen for its combination of refined aesthetics, ergonomic comfort, and quiet performance. The wood finish harmonizes with the museum’s material palette, while the compact footprint ensures excellent sightlines and circulation. Inclusive features, such as removable seats and transfer arms, allow the venue to accommodate all guests, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to accessibility.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors highlight the comfort, elegance, and unobstructed views provided by the seating layout, while staff note the ease of operation, ease of maintenance, and acoustic benefits. The consensus is that the TS-71 enhances both the dignity and functionality of the space.
Looking Ahead
As the museum develops its role as a national center for education and dialogue, the Kearby Theater will remain a central venue for programs hosted by the Griffin Institute, community events, and commemorative ceremonies. In the future, future enhancements to seating may include modularity, integrated technology, and expanded accessibility features—all while preserving the elegance, inclusivity, and quiet performance that define the space today.
