Montana proudly unveils the Montana Heritage Center, a $107 million project celebrating the state’s history. At the opening ceremony, Gov. Greg Gianforte praised it as a “world class facility,” comparable to major museums in Chicago or New York. “This accomplishment is remarkable and highlights the generosity and the love that Montanans have for Montana,” Gianforte remarked. The center features historical exhibits and art galleries that promise to be a major attraction.
The ribbon-cutting marked decades of dedication to preserving Montana’s rich history. The center boasts a new 70,000-square-foot addition and a remodeled 90,000-square-foot area. The Homeland Gallery offers a journey through Montana’s history, with exhibits dating back to the Ice Age. Artifacts from Indigenous peoples and immersive interactive displays provide a deep dive into nuanced history.
“160 years ago, pioneers began preserving this area’s history,” said Tim Fox, president of the Montana Historical Society. “Our indigenous peoples were the first humans here, and our history goes back way beyond the discovery of gold, copper or silver.” Visitors can engage with changing sounds and interactive exhibits, including a covered wagon and a Butte mineshaft simulation. The space also includes a smudge room, gardens, and a cafe.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Charlie M. Russell Gallery, which houses a significant collection by the famed western artist. A rotating gallery showcases additional exhibits, with only 10% of the total collection on display. “History is not just told from one group’s point of view,” said Amanda Streeter Trum, head of curatorial. “We’ve got lots of stories and lots of people represented here, as it should be.”
The final $60 million for the Montana Heritage Center was privately funded, with the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and others contributing over $40 million. Gianforte, who helped with fundraising, emphasized private donations should cover cost overruns. “I called every major business in the state … telling them about our plans and asking them for support,” he said.
Hundreds attended the ceremony and toured the center. Gianforte announced $3.5 million donated for an endowment to enable Montana students to visit the museum. The goal is for every student to experience the museum during their state history study year, with a $10 million target for the endowment. Some areas are under construction, with a full grand opening planned next summer. “I hope that we can be a space where we can talk about difficult things and present challenging topics,” Streeter Trum added.
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