Overview
The Anchorage Museum of History and Art is growing. The Museum’s latest work of art is an Expansion plan that will enhance downtown Anchorage, transform the Museum experience and provide space to collect and exhibit Alaska’s cultural treasures: the art, history and science of Alaska.
Project Recommendations
The Anchorage Museum of History and Art expansion has been underway since June 2004 and will provide an additional 70,000 sq. ft. of exhibit and archival space. The building and adjacent public plaza are expected to be completed in 2009.
The Building
With 70,000 additional feet, the Museum will add a new dimension to its mission – interpreting the science of the north – while remaining true to the history, art and cultural artifacts that make it one of Alaska’s favorite museums. Physically, the addition will make the Museum more accessible to passers-by on C Street through a new main entrance and windowed galleries that invite Alaskans and visitors to experience the new Museum.
The Plaza
One of the most important aspects of the public plaza that will be added alongside the expanded building is the link it creates with the downtown area. Passers-by will be invited to the Museum via a forested, two-acre park that creates a sanctuary from the commerce and activity beyond its borders.
The Imaginarium
The Imaginarium has been a part of Anchorage since 1987, bringing hands-on teaching methods in the natural and physical sciences to over 104,000 annual visitors.
The Collection
The Museum’s extensive collection of mostly 20th century pieces will be significantly diversified with the addition of over 2,000 19th century Alaska Native pieces on long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The Arctic Studies Center, established in 1988, is the only U. S. government program to have a special focus on northern cultural research and education.
The Museum Mission
The Museum has expanded its mission to include science – a natural evolution in a land whose art, history and culture is deeply informed by environment.
