Nevada State Museum Begins Construction of New Central Concourse

Museum to Remain Open during Construction

October 2007, Carson City, Nevada -- Construction of a central concourse connecting the Nevada State Museum’s main building and north building will begin October 8 and continue through the end of 2008. Throughout construction, the museum will remain open and offer an active calendar of education programs, exhibits, and research services. Visitors will enter through the museum’s south entrance on Robinson Street.

The park between the museum’s two buildings will close for construction. The exhibit Under One Sky: Nevada’s Native American Heritage will close for regular viewing.

The new glass and steel structure, designed by Oxoby Architecture of Gardnerville, will resemble a mine head frame at one end, complete with rotating pulley at the top. Museum director, Jim Barmore states, “The structure will create an eye-catching centerpiece, enhancing the museum as a showcase for Nevada and Carson City.” Reyman Brothers Construction of Sparks was awarded the contract for construction. The project is under the direction of the Nevada State Public Works Board.

The concourse will unify the museum complex by linking buildings and creating a central admissions area. Visitors will enjoy an elevator, more exhibit space, a larger museum store, and a new entrance to the underground mine exhibit. The new mine entrance will allow removal of a small addition currently on the north side of the historic Carson City Mint. This will add to the historical integrity of the mint, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the concourse will significantly improve access for disabled visitors. Those in wheelchairs will enter through the main entrance, as opposed to a previously used back entrance on the building’s south side.

The Nevada State Museum actively engages people in understanding and celebrating Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum collects, preserves, and presents this heritage through exhibits, educational programs, and publications. Exhibits highlight the state’s geology, animals, history, Native American heritage, and the historic Carson City Mint. Special exhibits feature Slot Machines: The Fey Collection and Voces Latinas: Works on Paper from 1921-Present, through November 18. The museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for children under 18. For information, call (775) 687-4810.

The Nevada State Museum is one of seven managed by the state Division of Museums and History, an agency of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs. The Department serves Nevada’s citizens and visitors through cultural and information management, presentation and promotion of cultural resources, and education. The Department also includes the State Office of Historic Preservation, Nevada State Library and Archives and the Nevada Arts Council. For more information, please call Teresa Moiola at (775) 687-8323 or visit the department’s website at www.NevadaCulture.org.

Source: Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs

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