Community Input Inspires New Look For Maymont Brand

 

Richmond, Virginia – Maymont is rolling out a fresh new look for its website, signage and branded materials for the first time in over 13 years. Working with local research consultancy SIR, Maymont gathered input through in-depth surveys with the community and Maymont members over the past year and compared it with nearly a decade of similar findings. Creative agency Bonfire Red furthered the research with a series of conversations with community leaders, Maymont supporters and staff. Bonfire Red then guided Maymont through a brand refresh process deeply grounded in the many reasons people love the 100-acre landmark.

The new logo mark evokes the rolling hills that inspired Maymont’s name over a hundred years ago. Within this refreshed brand, Maymont remains focused on its many annual visitors, encouraging people to explore the full range and variety of experiences available at this unique shared space where people can connect with nature, history, wildlife and each other.

“After logging thousands of steps across Maymont’s 100 acres and talking with so many of its passionate fans, we understand why people feel such a deep connection with it,” said Chris Rinehart, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Bonfire Red. “What came through loud and clear was that Maymont is a convergence of many experiences that inspire a sense of wonder and delight, where culture meets nature meets the past meets play. We fell in love with it, too!”

“We were happy to see the research confirm what we hear from guests day in and day out about ‘why’ people love Maymont — it touches people’s hearts, by connecting them with nature and animals, with stories of the past, and with each other,” said Parke Richeson, President and CEO of Maymont Foundation. “We remain committed to providing experiences that delight, educate and inspire all who come to Maymont.”

Maymont fans can find everything they have always loved about Maymont — or discover something new — on the easy-to-navigate website. And over the next several months, signs, maps and other materials will be gradually updated to the new look.

In addition to updating the website and brand, Maymont is preparing for its 100th anniversary as a public space with the largest historic preservation and guest engagement investment in its history: the Maymont 2025 campaign, which will restore the Mansion roof to its original red slate and expand the habitats for rescued wildlife into the Virginia Wildlife Trail, with better connectivity and viewing areas, plus dedicated habitats for two new species.

About SIR
SIR is a strategic management consultancy designed and staffed to meet the needs of organizations today — strategic, seasoned, data-driven, nimble, creative and results-oriented. Founded in 1964, SIR helps companies, governmental agencies, nonprofits and even entire communities solve today’s problems and plan for tomorrow. Its clients include Walmart, Lincoln Financial, StoryCorps, Home Instead Senior Care, AARP, and NASA, in addition to many other Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, educational institutions, national and state-level associations, and destinations. Visit sirhq.com to learn more.

About Bonfire Red
Bonfire Red is an independent design studio that specializes in branding, print, digital design and development, video, photography, and motion graphics. The team has partnered with clients from emerging start-ups to international brands to create meaningful connections with their audiences by delivering exceptional brand experiences. Visit bonfirered.com to learn more.

About Maymont
Maymont, located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, is a well-preserved 100 acres where all are welcome to connect with history, nature, wildlife and each other. Built as a Gilded Age estate overlooking the James River, Maymont opened to the public in 1926 and today offers free admission to explore its miles of walking paths through rolling hills, beautiful landscaped gardens, a petting farm and the Virginia Wildlife Trail with habitats for rescued native animals. In addition, Maymont offers guided and self-guided tours of the 1893 Maymont Mansion, historic estate buildings and gardens, plus the immersive “Run of the River” experience highlighting the remarkable ecology of the James River in The Robins Nature Center. Since 1975, the nonprofit Maymont Foundation has been entrusted to care for this unique place, galvanizing community support around its mission to delight, educate and inspire all who visit. Maymont annually welcomes over 800,000 guests and is consistently ranked among the region’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike.

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Note to editors: Images are available upon request to mabernathy@maymont.org.