Page 21 - Helena Chamber B2B Spring22

MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS MAKING HISTORY
••• Montana Historical Society
Helena visitors and locals alike can head toward the state Capitol Complex to see history in the making, as the new Montana Heritage Center soars skyward.
The stately facility reflects the diversity of Montana, from the sweeping plains of Sidney to the rugged peaks of Glacier National Park. It’s a place where the Montana Historical Society will preserve, educate, and connect with people from across Montana and the world.
“This is the first new building on the Capitol Complex in almost forty years,” said MTHS Director Molly Kruckenberg. “It’s an amazing opportunity to create a spectacular structure that complements the Capitol while reflecting all that makes Montana so special.
“It will be a home that’s as explosive as lightning bolts and soothing as new fallen snow, yet will harmonize with the existing buildings and the natural landscape.”
The facility is expected to open in late 2024 or early 2025.
When first conceived in 2009, the plan called for a new building on the north side of Sixth Avenue, connected to the existing structure on the south side
of the road by either a tunnel or an elevated walkway. However, Cushing Terrell Architects took a fresh look at the proposal in 2020 and came up with the visionary new plan that directly abuts the MTHS’ current home.
With the approval of the Helena City
Commission last year, one block of Sixth Street between Roberts and Sanders was permanently closed to traffic. This allowed the new building to connect directly with the historic Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building, creating one distinct structure that further cements the Montana Historical Society’s status as the “Smithsonian of the West.”
The new 66,000-square-foot
addition will include a 15,000-square- foot Homeland gallery, through which visitors can experience the stories of Montana dating back 14,000 years and culminating in the present. It will have a 6,150-square-foot audio/visual event center, capable of hosting events for more than 300 people. A café will offer coffee and food items for purchase by all Capitol Campus visitors and employees.
The existing building, which opened
to the public in 1953, will undergo much-needed upgrades to its heating and cooling systems. The renovations also allow the MTHS to double the size of its current Charles M. Russell gallery; expand the existing gift shop; and create two classrooms for students. As part of the work, the world-class research center will move from the second floor to the first floor, making it more accessible.
Both facilities will feature state-of-the- art audio/visual equipment, and include features that enhance the experience for people needing assistance
in line with the Americans With Disability Act.
Architects and engineers are striving for the most energy efficient building possible, with an eye toward LEED Gold certification.
Native plants will be an
integral part of the exterior landscaping, with winding paths
evoking creeks among the foliage that leads to the welcoming main entrance plaza. A large part of that landscaping will be around the 445 parking spots, which is a 92-spot increase over what currently exists. The parking lot also will include spaces for buses and recreational vehicles.
To facilitate construction, portions of the museum are closed to the public while art and artifacts are stored, then moved into the new exhibits. The Charles M. Russell gallery and lobby exhibits will be kept open as long as possible. However, the Research Center will close Jan. 1, 2023, until it can move into its new expanded home.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” Kruckenberg said. “We ask our patrons to be patient, with the knowledge that this will allow us to better serve them and share the stories of Montana in exciting new ways.”
SPRING 2022 B2B - A Publication of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce 21