Museum of Alabama Announces Upcoming Gallery Closures for Renovations

Montgomery, AL (11/19/24) -
Exhibits in the Museum of Alabama at the Alabama Department of Archives & History (ADAH) in Montgomery will begin closing soon for renovations. A major capital project to update and enhance the state history museum's offerings for Alabamians of all ages has been underway since 2022. New exhibits will open in 2025, as the ADAH prepares for its 125th year of service to the people of Alabama and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the nation in 2026.

The ADAH has enlisted the design services of The PRD Group, the northern Virginia-based firm that previously worked with the ADAH to design Alabama Voices, and other galleries in the Museum of Alabama. PRD's portfolio also includes the Museum of the Bible, the George W. Bush Presidential Library, state history museums in Texas and Virginia, and several Smithsonian exhibits. Work on the project has further involved nationally recognized exhibit fabricators and media producers, leading scholars in the field of Alabama history, advisory groups, and members of the ADAH's professional staff.

The Alabama Archives & History Foundation, a non-profit auxiliary of the ADAH, is engaged in a $3 million campaign to support the project. A $3 million supplemental appropriation made by the Alabama Legislature in summer 2023 will be matched with private and corporate funds secured through the Foundation. This public-private partnership will better equip the ADAH to help future generations of Alabamians become thoughtful, engaged citizens who understand the history of the state they call home. Projects underway include:

• A new Children's Gallery that makes Alabama history fun and engaging for young visitors;
• Alabama Military Stories, a new permanent exhibit that honors the experiences of Alabamians in military service and helps visitors understand the courage and cost that comes with answering the call of duty;
• Updated Native American exhibits that will offer newly envisioned presentations of the history of Native peoples in our state, past and present, developed in ongoing collaboration with tribal representatives;
• Timely updates to Alabama Voices, the Museum's centerpiece exhibit, reflecting recent scholarship, new artifact donations, and upgraded audiovisual components; and
• Wayfinding and other interior and exterior signage to ensure the ADAH building is inviting and navigable for every visitor.

Existing gallery spaces will begin closing for deinstallation of exhibits in November 2024. The galleries will close after the following dates:

Regular hours for the Museum of Alabama are Monday through Saturday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Admission is FREE. The Museum will be open for a special family-friendly farewell event for the Hands-On Gallery and Grandma's Attic on December 14, Alabama's 205th birthday.

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