2010 MEDIA KIT - Anchorage Museum

625 C StreetAnchorage, Alaska 99501(907) 929-9200www.anchoragemuseum.orgEXPANSION OVERVIEWThe $106 million expansion of the AnchorageMuseum heralds a new era for one of Alaska’spremier visitor attractions, broadening themuseum’s mission to include a new focus onscience – a natural evolution in a land where art,history and culture are deeply entwined withthe environment.The expansion, completed in May 2010, includesan 80,000-square-foot wing and renovation ofthe existing building. Features include:SMITHSONIAN ARCTIC STUDIES CENTERA centerpiece of the expansion, the centerhouses an exhibition of rare Alaska Nativeheritage objects from the SmithsonianNational Museum of Natural History and theNational Museum of the American Indian.IMAGINARIUM DISCOVERY CENTER In thisarea, visitors of all ages explore earth, life andphysical science through hands-on exhibits.The center includes the TOTE KidSpace forages 5 and younger, where everything can betouched and children and parents can exploreart, history and science through play.CONOCOPHILLIPS GALLERY The AnchorageMuseum holds one of the most extensivecollections of contemporary Alaska Native artin both traditional and non-traditional styles. Inthis gallery, sculptures, carvings, paintings andmixed media help shape our understanding ofwhat it means to be Native in Alaska today.THOMAS PLANETARIUM Visitors canjourney to the stars, taking trips throughthe solar system. The planetarium alsohosts educational, entertaining films andpresentations that explore the night sky.TWO-ACRE COMMON This landscapedpublic area celebrates the environment andoffers a vibrant place for outdoor exhibits andgatherings.MUSE RESTAURANT Muse restaurant,operated by The Marx Bros., features anoutdoor patio and offers imaginative cuisine ina hip, lounge-like setting.MUSEUM SHOP The new museum shopcarries a wide variety of authentic AlaskaNative art as well as Alaska-made jewelry,fun learning games and toys for children, andbooks on Alaska culture and history.SPECIAL EXHIBITION GALLERY Thisflexible, 9,000-square-foot gallery space onthe addition’s third floor displays travelingexhibitions from around the world andspecial exhibitions from the museum’s vastcollections.CHUGACH GALLERY From this temporaryexhibitions gallery on the fourth floor, visitorscan enjoy a fantastic view of the ChugachMountains. Comfortable benches providevisitors a place to reflect on the view and therotating exhibits.BOB AND EVANGELINE ATWOOD ALASKARESOURCE CENTER The resource centerincludes the Allen Family Foundation ReadingRoom, where visitors can access the museum’s500,000 photographs, 12,000 publicationsand 800 historical maps.P. 3MEDIA INQUIRIESSarah Henning, Public Relations Coordinator, (907) 929-9231, shenning@anchoragemuseum.orgJanet Asaro, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, (907) 929-9229, jasaro@anchoragemuseum.org