GuernseyTingle Architects
GuernseyTingle - Themed Entertainment

Marco Polo’s Marketplace

ALL PROJECTS
Multiple Locations

This brightly reimagined marketplace pavilion at Busch Gardens Williamsburg transports guests on an exotic culinary journey inspired by Marco Polo’s legendary travels to the East.

Services Used
  • Program Development
  • Concept Design
  • Creative Direction
  • Architecture, Interiors, and Facility Design
  • On-Site Art Direction
  • Construction Administration

GuernseyTingle led the effort to convert this existing buffet-style venue into an attractive, dynamic market environment, featuring several serving areas with diverse culinary offerings. Larger-than-life pages from Marco Polo’s notebook adorn the walls, while curiosities collected during his travels line the shelves. Above, lighting from a custom lantern structure serves as a focal point for the space.

To enhance guest capacity and comfort, we incorporated an expansive self-serve beverage area nestled beneath a custom patina copper pavilion. Both decorative and practical, the pavilion features a glass roof that connects the marketplace directly with the adjacent performance theater, creating a spacious, sheltered venue where park guests can comfortably dine and enjoy shows regardless of weather.

Elevate your park’s food and beverage operations with story-driven architectural solutions that turn quick dining into a top-tier guest experience.

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What Clients Say

"One of our go-to architectural firms"

GuernseyTingle is one of our go-to architectural firms. They consistently produce beautiful, creative and fun designs, down to every little detail. We appreciate the time and hard work they put into all projects, and we always enjoy working with them.

-Haley Duffy, Busch Gardens Williamsburg
"Committed to doing what's best for the project"

We've had the opportunity to work alongside GuernseyTingle on numerous themed entertainment projects, including roller coasters, water attractions, restaurants, and other immersive guest experiences. These complex projects require more than technical expertise—they depend on strong partnerships, open communication, and a shared commitment to solving challenges as a team. GuernseyTingle has consistently demonstrated those qualities. They are collaborative, solutions-oriented, and committed to doing what's best for the project, even when design challenges require flexibility and creative problem-solving. Their partnership has played an important role in delivering successful projects and memorable experiences for our clients and their guests.

-Brandon Nice, David Nice Builders
Verbolten: Forbidden Turn at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

The layout inspired the new design from the start, particularly the classic scream-inducing drop- which occurs right before the coaster takes riders back outside into the light after disappearing into the darkness of the Black forest, which is largely set inside a multistory building. “I wanted to make the story centered around that.” -Richard Smith, Creative Director.

-Skyler Hartgerink, Virginia Media, Inside Business Newspaper
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