Back in 2019, we teamed up with the Himalayan Trust to turn a schoolhouse built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1962 into the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Centre in Khumjung village, Nepal. Perched at 3,790 meters in the remote Khumbu region, this place was meant to honor Sir Ed’s legacy while serving the local community and visitors. With no road access, graphics needed in three languages, and a miniature Mount Everest model, this project was a huge adventure.
Our job was to handle site-specific design and manage the production of graphics and a 3D printed terrain model. Working with Pearson Associates, writer Alexa Johnston, and National Geographic for mapping, we aimed to highlight the bond between Ed Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, and the Sherpa community. Our graphics, in Sherpa, Nepali, and English, told the story of their Everest ascent and its inspiring impact.
We worked with Pearson Associates on 3D designs and teamed up with Alexa Johnston to match her narrative with our vibrant style. Local school kids joined in, and local artists painted murals. Intensive image research by The Letter Q brought the region’s flora and fauna to life in a stunning display.
Logistics were tricky, often coordinating across time zones with team members in Nepal, Europe, and New Zealand. At times, graphics traveled by air and were then carried by skilled porters on local trails.
The visitor centre now showcases the lively colors of Khumjung village life, preserving Sherpa traditions and promoting conservation. Featuring a color 3D-printed Everest model and all graphics treatments by The Letter Q, it enhances visitors’ understanding of the Sherpa community and the Himalayan Trust’s work.
The opening event, during the 70th Everest summit anniversary in 2023, saw Hillary family members and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark in attendance. It's a proud symbol for the local community, celebrating the collaborative spirit between Kiwis and Sherpas and honoring Sir Edmund Hillary’s legacy.
