Years of collaboration culminated in the unveiling of Capitol Modern at the end of 2023, a rebrand at the Hawaii State Art Museum that transcends a name change to revitalize the essence of an institution. Located in Honolulu’s historic capitol district, Capitol Modern is a small gallery with a big responsibility. Part of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) Art in Public Places program, it is the people’s museum and its art is everyone’s art, free to view.

After crafting a new name to better differentiate the museum from other institutions, Capitol Modern was reborn with a fresh identity. Is it the moon over the valley? A sunset or a sunrise? The abstract monogram and open spaces are an invitation to find, imagine, and discover something new. This logo design won a Silver ADDY Award at the 2024 National American Advertising Federation Awards. On a regional level, W|W is proud to have taken home Best in Show: Design for our work with Capitol Modern, along with six other Pele awards for Capitol Modern’s website and digital campaign work.

With refreshed wayfinding, print collateral, exterior signage, and a new website, the gallery embarks on its third decade with a confident, contemporary look.

Discover the full story behind the Capitol Modern rebrand.

Freshly installed signage and wayfinding at Capitol Modern.

Capitol Modern signage as displayed on the building's facade.

Visitor's guide with self-guided map component.

Social media and digital marketing display and banner ads.

Secondary, type driven, version of the logo.