2010 MEDIA KIT - Anchorage Museum

625 C StreetAnchorage, Alaska 99501(907) 929-9200www.anchoragemuseum.orgFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhy was the Anchorage Museumexpanded?Responding to requests from AnchorageMuseum members and visitors, as well asAlaska’s academic and artistic communities, themuseum wanted to add science to its missionand adopt a more hands-on approach tolearning. Alaska visitors asked for more touringexhibits from other areas. Visitors also wanted tosee more of the museum’s collection (nationally,most museums only display about 10 percent oftheir collections). To meet these requests, themuseum doubled its interior space.Does the expansion change the museum’smission or strategic direction in any way?Yes. By merging with the Imaginarium, themuseum has added science to its mission, whichis to share and connect Alaska with the worldthrough art, history and science. The expansionstrengthens that mission by providing a broaderrange of exhibits and educational experiencesfor visitors.How much did the expansion cost?The expansion project cost $106 million.Philanthropist Elmer Rasmuson donated 52percent of the cost. The museum received anadditional 16 percent in federal grants and 4percent from foundations. The state of Alaskadonated 16 percent, and the museum raised 10percent from individual donors and 2 percentfrom corporations.Will the expansion create any new jobs?The expansion has created several newpositions, including an IT director and a visitorservices manager. The staff will continue to growover time in proportion with our program andexhibit offerings.Is the addition wheelchair accessible?Yes. Ramps are located on Seventh Avenue andSixth Avenue that extend from the sidewalksonto the museum’s new, ice-free promenade andthere is an elevator inside the addition.What is the purpose ofthe new outdoor area?The site is an integral part of the expandedmuseum. In the public common, people canhave lunch, meet friends or just relax. Thearea can also be used for museum events. Thegrounds feature a 24-foot sculpture “Habitat”by English artist Antony Gormley as part of themunicipality’s 1 Percent for Art Program.Will the outdoor area be safe?Safety was a primary consideration in the site’slandscape design. A key element of the design isvisibility across the site. To achieve that, all treesare limbed (branches removed) up to 6 feet andshrubs will be no taller than 3 feet, providingopen sight lines. The landscape designer workedwith a lighting firm to ensure safe levels oflight are provided year-round, particularly inwinter months.P. 11MEDIA INQUIRIESSarah Henning, Public Relations Coordinator, (907) 929-9231, shenning@anchoragemuseum.orgJanet Asaro, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, (907) 929-9229, jasaro@anchoragemuseum.org