The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM), located on the Eastern shore of Maryland, has a mission to explore and preserve the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and make this resource accessible to all. CBMM’s 12,000 sq. ft. Welcome Center is part of ongoing campus upgrades to create engaging, immersive, and transformative experiences that educate and inspire.

Polished concrete was utilized to embrace the vison of the designer, meet the demands of the heavy museum traffic, and notably, to integrate a beautiful, large, stained, and polished concrete map of the Chesapeake Bay. Hyde collaborated early in the design process. The design team relied on Hyde Concrete’s knowledge and skills in the decorative concrete industry to bring the largest estuary in the United States to life.

Upon entering the Welcome Center, visitors encounter a large, 20x30 foot map of the Chesapeake Bay over a blue-grey polished concrete floor that reflects the color of the bay. The stenciled and stained map of the bay is geographically accurate, and a standout design feature of CBMM’s space. All parties are thrilled with the result. The CBMM design team notes, “It is a key element welcoming all our guests as they enter the museum.” We see them locating and naming places they know on the map. “It was a pleasure to work with Hyde on this project. You all made this aspect a rewarding and smooth experience.”