Pulse Nightclub Memorial Museum Project Faces Opposition

Three years after the 2016 Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub that killed 49 people, the onePULSE Foundation is moving forward with plans for a memorial museum. The project includes the existing Pulse Memorial, a Survivors Walk, and a new museum building. An international design competition has shortlisted teams including Studio Libeskind with Claude Cormier + Associés, Thinc with artist Jenny Holzer, and Diller Scofidio + Renfro with Rene Gonzalez Architects and Raymond Jungles. The winner will be announced on October 30, 2019. The museum will cover nearly 3,000 square meters and cost $45 million, with completion expected in 2022. However, the Community Coalition Against a Pulse Museum has formed to oppose the project, accusing the foundation of profiting from the tragedy. Foundation president Barbara Poma defends the plan, citing precedents like the Oklahoma City Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, noting the memorial will be free while the museum will charge a modest admission fee to sustain operations and education programs.