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 public plaza will be alive in both winter and summer, and will include the following features:
- An urban birch forest that will create privacy and quiet while allowing views of the surrounding area
- Outdoor “galleries” – open spaces in the forest – that will feature sculpture, temporary exhibits or just a spot for quiet reflection
- A promenade along the new Museum entrance, which will face C Street
- Tidal pool/ice rink – Adjacent the promenade will be a tidal pool, which in summer will echo the tidal rhythms of Cook Inlet; in winter, it will freeze and serve as an ice rink
- A large common area will be available for public performance
An interpretive trail through the birch forest will feature information about native plants and grasses, while a direct route will lead from C Street to the Museum’s new entrance
