Wrapping up extensive renovations, University of Nebraska’s State Museum and Mueller Planetarium will reopen to the public this Friday, March 15th.
UNL’s 97-year-old Morrill Hall closed down last October for construction, bringing improvements to accessibility and enhancing the museums ability to protect its exhibits and research specimens. The reopened facility will include new exhibits and updated signage, content and features for existing ones.
The renovation was made possible by a lawmaker approved building renewal fund which was created to address a backlog of improvements and deferred maintenance to University of Nebraska facilities. The museum received $9.3 million from the fund to support the largest renovation project in its history.
Accessibility improvements include widened doorways, along with bathroom and classroom updates to ensure that museum facilities comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; a new admissions desk installed at the recommended height; and a sink and water supply in the lactation room.
Renovations will also improve the building’s energy efficiency and stabilize its relative humidity and temperature, both of which are essential to preserve specimens on display for future generations. Those improvements include a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; new windows; LED lighting installed throughout the facility; and dual-flush toilets to conserve water.
Susan Weller, museum director, said existing memberships will be extended to account for the closure time. She said the museum staff is “grateful for the patience and trust” of members and stakeholders.
Its education department continued providing virtual learning programs to schools during the closure. Registration is now open for the museum’s new spring break and expanded summer camp offerings, visit museum.unl.edu for more information.
Archie, the mammoth sculpture, stands guard outside of Morrill Hall as the Husker flag waves in the breeze. City Campus. March 17, 2020. Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communication.