Yellowstone—an American icon, home to Old Faithful, and a playground for bear, bison, and wolves—is an extraordinary research frontier; a place where scientific discoveries have changed our lives and provided clues to life’s origins and life’s diversity.
The Museum of the Rockies plans to interpret the Yellowstone ecosystem’s magnificent natural wonders through the lens of unprecedented scientific research in a new, multi-layer, interdisciplinary exhibit. A first-of-its-kind partnership between the Museum, Yellowstone National Park, and Montana State University researchers is guiding this project.
For visitors standing in Bozeman, just 90 miles from the Park’s border, or connected around the globe through real-time data streaming and other cutting-edge outreach technologies, the Yellowstone exhibit will use Greater Yellowstone science to help people understand the interconnectedness of this ecosystem, their ecosystem, the world.
Bringing this bold and complex vision to life will require time, investment, and commitment.
The immediate goal of $450,000, part of the Museum of the Rockies’ current Capital Campaign, is funding project definition and development, including:
• identifying the compelling research to feature in the exhibit
• finalizing exhibit design
• retaining expertise in informal science education
• assessing visitor needs and preferences
• designing technology delivery systems
• completing a detailed budget, business plan, and campaign feasibility study
The full project carries a total price tag approaching $20 million for construction of a new exhibit hall, installation of the Yellowstone exhibit, outreach and programming, endowments to cover technology replacement and operating costs, and fundraising costs. Fundraising for this project has begun and is part of Montana State University’s seven-year comprehensive campaign.
For more information, visit Greater Yellowstone at museumoftherockies.org, or contact Shelley McKamey, Dean and Director, at smckamey@montana.edu or 406.994.6342.