THE BAKKEN MUSEUM RESPONSE TO NOVEL
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)

Due to concerns around COVID-19, The Bakken Museum is temporarily closed to the public.

The safety of our employees, visitors, and program participants is a top priority. We reject the xenophobia that has arisen in the discourse around COVID-19 and will act on the fact-based recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and the State of Minnesota.

This webpage will be updated as the situation evolves. We will also provide information through our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.

Please find the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 from the following experts:

If you have registered for an education program or event through the museum, our staff will be in contact with additional information soon.

With questions, please contact our visitor services desk at info@thebakken.org.

We look forward to welcoming all of our visitors and supporters back to the museum in the coming weeks.

 

Sincerely,

The Bakken Museum leadership and staff

FAQ

WHEN WILL THE BAKKEN MUSEUM REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
Following Governor Walz’s Stay at Home order, The Bakken Museum will be closed to the public until at least May 1, 2020. The museum will continue to monitor recommendations by the Governor and the Minnesota Department of Health to make an informed decision to reopen based on the best research and information available.
DOES THE BAKKEN MUSEUM OFFER ANY DIGITAL EDUCATION?

The Bakken Museum’s education programs challenge kids of all ages to engage with science and innovation. The museum encourages people to think, make, and do things in new ways through STEM-based programming.

Our team is currently developing digital STEM content for use by parents and educators. Online programming for families will offer challenges and experiments with everyday household objects. Educators will be able to access our most popular science theatre and assembly shows to enhance their distance learning curriculum.

We hope to have a resource available on our website in the beginning of April and will continue releasing content to help parents, kids, and teachers have fun learning experiences.

IS THE BAKKEN MUSEUM PLANNING LAYOFFS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19?
While the current situation around COVID-19 presents an immense financial challenge, The Bakken Museum is not planning on any staff reductions at this time. With major renovations taking place in the first half of 2020, the museum had budgeted for a loss of attendance and program revenue. Museum staff and board leadership feel confident that they can weather the current financial crisis.
WHAT IS THE BAKKEN MUSEUM’S 2020 RENOVATION PROJECT?
In January of 2020, The Bakken Museum began construction on its lower level wing. The museum’s first major construction in over 20 years, renovations will introduce exciting new exhibit experiences, updated education areas, a dramatic lake-facing entrance, and a flexible use courtyard.
HOW IS THE RENOVATION PROJECT BEING AFFECTED BY COVID-19?
At this time, The Bakken Museum’s construction project is on track with education spaces scheduled to open this summer for camps and a temporary exhibit available to the public in June. We will continue to monitor the situation around COVID-19 and adjust all education programs public and public openings according to recommendations by Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health.
HOW ARE CURRENT AND NEW MEMBERSHIPS BEING AFFECTED?
This is an important time to be a member at the museum. Current and new members are being provided with a 6-month extension on their membership (18 months total).
HOW CAN I RECEIVE UPDATED ABOUT THE BAKKEN MUSEUM’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19?

Stay up-to-date and be notified when classes resume by subscribing to email updates and following us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

To learn how you, or your organization, can support The Bakken Museum: Associate Director of Advancement Alex Askew at askew@thebakken.org.

 

With press inquiries contact: Associate Director of Marketing and Communications Laura Whittet at whittet@thebakken.org or 612.926.3878.

 

With additional questions about the construction project contact: Director of Strategic Initiatives, Erica Washburn, at washburn@thebakken.org or 503.544.8831.

 

To schedule Outreach STEM Programs contact: Outreach Programs Manager, Siri Hellerman at Siri hellerman@thebakken.org.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

The Bakken Musuem is an independent 501(c)(3). Donations and memberships support educational programming, exhibitions, and artifact preservation.

© 2020 The Bakken Museum — All Rights Reserved