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A trip to Fairbanks isn't complete without a visit to the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Discover
fascinating stories about Alaska's
people, places, and wildlife in the museum’s award-winning exhibit galleries - your best introduction to this
vast and diverse state. From Alaska’s wildlife to contemporary Alaska
Native art, whatever
your interest, you'll find something
appealing on exhibit.
The museum opened a new wing in 2005, which itself has become an architectural icon for the state and a must-see for Alaska visitors. Nationally-recognized architect Joan Soranno and the GDM/HGA architectural team designed the expansion to convey a sense of Alaska, with innovative lines and spaces evoking images of alpine ridges, glaciers, breakup on the Yukon River, and the aurora.
The centerpiece of the expanded museum, the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, shows many treasures once in storage but now in public view. The gallery presents the full spectrum of Alaska art – from ancient Eskimo ivory carvings to contemporary paintings and sculpture, both Native and non-Native.
In the Gallery of Alaska exhibits
are grouped thematically to represent
Alaska's major ecological and cultural
regions. Highlights include Alaska's
largest gold display, extensive displays
of Alaska Native art and artifacts,
and the world's only restored Ice Age
steppe bison mummy. Watch videos on
the aurora, a whale hunt, and Alaska
Native dances.
The museum’s most unusual exhibit is The Place Where You Go to Listen, an ever-changing sound and light environment driven by the real-time position of the sun and moon, earthquakes and aurora activity.
In summer, the museum offers two auditorium shows: Dynamic Aurora and Winter, both offered several times a day. Dynamic Aurora captures the beauty of the northern lights and explains this high-latitude phenomena from scientific and cultural perspectives. Winter gives visitors insight into our longest season. Learn about the natural phenomena, adaptations to life in the cold and the activities that sustain Alaskans through winter and into spring.
The museum's audio guide brings Alaska
alive with sound. This 80-minute guide
complements - but by no means duplicates
- the material on display in the museum’s galleries. Hear wildlife
calls, soundscapes of Alaska environments,
conversations with curators and Alaska
Native elders, samples of Alaska Native
languages, and historical footage like
HAM radio reports from 1964's Good
Friday earthquake.
Be sure to plan time to explore the
Museum Store. With a wide variety of
Alaska Native art, books, jewelry and
Made in Alaska products, you'll find
the perfect Alaska souvenir.
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