We were busy in 2018, proudly opening three terrific new exhibits. Here is our 2018 story.
Bell Museum – Opened Summer 2018
The reimagined Bell Museum opened to the public August 2018 in the waning days of summer. One of Minnesota’s most beloved institutions, the Natural History Museum’s relocation to a new building necessitated a complete redesign and installation. Exhibit firm Gallagher & Associates designed new galleries to promote personal discovery about Minnesota, our Earth, and the universe.
“The renovated Bell Museum on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus blends style, beauty, and science in one splendid package. From the beautiful grounds, filled with native fauna and sculptures, to its indoor wonders, including historic dioramas, new installations, and dazzling planetarium, the Bell is a must-see.”
The Bell’s new galleries are organized around four themes. Each thematic area invites visitors to explore while visualizing their places within the universe.
Tennessee State Museum – Opened October 2018
The Tennessee State Museum boasts an impressive 46,000 square feet of exhibit space filled with the state’s treasures. Exhibit designers Gallagher & Associates created immersive, interactive exhibits that tell Tennessee’s unique stories.
“Today, we open our doors, and we open our minds.” said Museum Director Ashley Howell at the ribbon cutting. “We open our minds to learn more about those who lived, and served and died; to learn more about creativity, ingenuity, and perseverance that shapes our history, art and culture. To the people of Tennessee, this is your Museum and these are your stories, and we can’t wait to welcome you all today and for the many years to come.”
The Tennessee State Museum’s Time Tunnel includes six galleries that discuss the state’s natural history as well as human history from prehistoric through modern times.
Tennessee State Museum. Nashville, TN
National Law Enforcement Museum
The National Law Enforcement Museum promotes greater understanding and appreciation of law enforcement professions and challenges. The highly immersive exhibits designed by Christopher Chadbourne & Associates and Studio 647 encourage visitors to “walk in the shoes” of law enforcement. In the weeks after opening, visitors and media alike praised the interactive exhibits.
“This is extremely accurate to depict a day in the life of a law enforcement officer and the history of law enforcement itself. Very interactive some portions are hands on with figuring out what evidence will convict someone of a crime to seeing what it’s like to be a 911 dispatcher. This place really makes you have an appreciation for what the men and women of the thin blue line do day in and day out. I highly recommend it! The best part is sitting in a brand new Dodge Charger with a police package and playing with the lights! Brings out your inner kid. ”
The National Law Enforcement Museum tells the story of American law enforcement – past, present, and future while working to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
National Law Enforcement Museum, Washington, DC