Major renovation offers enhanced amenities, outdoor exploration

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – After seven months of construction, The Bakken Museum will open a newly renovated spaces to the public on Thursday, July 16. The renovation is the museum’s first since a 12,000 square foot addition was added in 1998. Working with RSP Architects and Mortenson Construction, the renovation was designed to the museum’s mission of inspiring a passion for innovation. Enhanced outdoor spaces and education areas have been crafted to increase the museum’s reach and honor the natural beauty surrounding the museum.

Renovations include:

• a stunning new entrance facing Bde Maka Ska featuring bird-safe glass;

• an expansive courtyard and walkway overlooking wetlands restored by the museum;

• a refurbished green roof overlooking Bde Maka Ska;

• flexible-use classrooms and rental spaces;

• a modernized makerspace for classes and camps;

• updated amenities, including lockers, all gender accessible bathrooms, and food and drink vending;

• a larger museum store, Earl’s Emporium, featuring science and technology-themed items for all ages;

• and a 2,000 square foot gallery space that will feature a new, engaging exhibit in Fall 2020.

“We hope that guests walk away from The Bakken Museum having conversations about becoming innovators for good,” said The Bakken Museum President and CEO Michael Sanders. “In this moment, we are especially focused on providing a community space for people to feel connected to one another and inspired by our exhibits, gardens, and grounds.”

A new exhibit designed by The Bakken Museum and creative consultants, Roto Group LLC, will be unveiled during a grand reopening planned for Saturday, October 10. The SPARK exhibit will introduce visitors to historical innovations and challenge them to ask big questions about using science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place.

Beginning July 16, The Bakken Museum will be open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $5 for individuals ages four and up, free for children under 3, and free to Bakken Museum members. The museum has implemented COVID-19 safety measures, including timed tickets, increased cleaning protocols, and mask requirements. Complete information about The Bakken Museum’s COVID-19 visitor guidelines and safety plan are available online (thebakken.org/visit).

ABOUT THE BAKKEN MUSEUM

The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place. Located in Minneapolis, the museum features a world-renowned collection of artifacts, exceptional education programs, exhibits exploring the wonders of invention, plant medicine, technology, and science, and the Florence Bakken Medicinal Garden. For more information, visit thebakken.org. Find @thebakkenmusem on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.