Please note that advance registration is required for this online program. Scroll down or click here to register.
Join Preservation Houston and architects David Bucek, Delaney Harris-Finch and Jordan Shelton for a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration of NASA’s landmark Apollo Mission Control Center in an online program Tuesday evening, November 10.
Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center opened in 1965 and quickly became world famous as NASA managed its Gemini and Apollo space flights from the facility — including the 1969 Apollo 11 mission that took men to the moon. Although Mission Control was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985, it fell into disrepair after being decommissioned and opened to heavy visitor traffic. Planning for the facility’s restoration began in 2015 under the direction of the Space Center’s historic preservation officer with input from former NASA flight directors. Stern and Bucek Architects were hired to provide design services that included returning Mission Control to its Apollo 11-era appearance. Preservation Houston served as a consulting party on the project.
The architects used original plans, photos and documents and interviewed retired NASA personnel to faithfully restore Mission Control. Computer consoles were refurbished, images on projection screens were re-created, upholstery and fabric were conserved and reproduced, and even the hole patterns in ceiling tiles were replicated using computer scans of surviving original material. The restoration was completed in July 2019, in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Preservation Houston honored the project with a Good Brick Award for excellence in historic preservation earlier this year.
Banner photo: Apollo Mission Control / by Hester + Hardaway
Event format
This event will be presented via Zoom. Registrants will receive additional information, including a link to join the program, no later than the morning of November 10.
Registration and pricing
Access to this program is free for members of Preservation Houston and Pier & Beam. Registration is $10 for non-members. Register online now:
This event is presented as part of the Bart Truxillo Program Series, which honors the memory of pioneer preservationist and Preservation Houston co-founder Bart Truxillo. The Truxillo Program Series is made possible by the generous contributions of Preservation Houston's members and friends. If you would like to support future programming, please consider adding a donation to your registration or becoming a PH member.