The important work being done at NC State University by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and their herd of Jersey and Holstein dairy cows is a focus of the exhibits. The design of this facility is meant to evoke the look and feel of a traditional dairy barn. White shiplap siding and red barn doors and shutters were used to compliment the barn inspired profile of the exterior.
The museum interior is organized around a central Exhibition Hall with vaulted wood ceilings and clerestory windows that fill the space with natural light. Exhibit designs were coordinated with the architecture to tell a sequenced educational story and keep guests of all ages engaged. Kenan family history, biosecurity education, dairy production artifacts, and an artificial milking cow are all part of an immersive museum education experience. A flexible retail counter originally intended to feature Howling Cow Ice Cream and merchandise was also incorporated into the design.
