Sky’s the Limit After Evansville Museum Upgrade
Published Feb 11, 2009
A first-century funerary mask is among the holdings at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science.
The Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science, the oldest and most-established cultural institution in the state, has embarked upon the most ambitious facility expansion in its 104-year history.
“Reaching for the Stars” is a $15 million capital expansion project that will enable the museum to educate and inspire like never before in the arts, history, science and anthropology.
Dynamic changes in the museum’s architectural profile include a spectacular two-and-a-half story glass pavilion, expanded museum shop and immersive theater, the newest in planetarium technology.
John Streetman, in his 34th year as executive director, credits a deeply committed community and board of trustees for the success of the campaign. “There is a wonderful sense of community here,” he says. “We raised $10 million before the campaign was announced.” Groundbreaking is expected for summer 2009.
“We appreciate the museum and the wonderful, cultural asset it is to our community and the region,” says campaign Chairwoman Rita Eykamp, whose family is a longtime supporter of the museum.
When completed, the enhanced Koch Planetarium will provide a 360-degree experience. Indiana’s first planetarium will become the most advanced in the state, taking solar system exploration to a new level.
“We have one of the best types of star projectors available, creating a realistic-looking Indiana night sky,” says Mitch Luman, director of the Koch Science Center and Planetarium. Along with a traditional star show, the planetarium offers planet viewing events and special features on topics such as black holes, famous astronomers and myths about astronomy.
The museum, an anchor of the downtown riverfront, is one of just 10 across the country that received a grant to study space literacy and education opportunities.
An educator and 12 space exhibits are taken to fairs, festivals and events in rural areas, providing a museum experience. “We reach a lot of people,” Luman says.
The multi-million dollar art gallery houses an impressive collection, and the museum is renowned for championing American realist painters. The museum offers an artist-in-residence program and fine-art consultancy for those wanting to develop collections or find commissioned works.
“This is not a static museum,” Eykamp says. “In addition to the wonderful permanent collections, there are constantly changing galleries and exhibits.”
Rivertown USA is a stroll through time with storefronts and houses depicting the 19th century. Plans are under way to extend the timeframe to pre-World War II and beyond.
A World War II interpretive center will become a focal point of the gallery, drawing from the museum’s vast holdings for that period.
In a separate building on the site, the Evansville Museum Transportation Center presents regional transportation through the years. A highlight for all ages is the full-scale, Art Deco train.
“Every four to six weeks, there is a new exhibition ready to be viewed,” Luman says. “If you haven’t visited the Evansville Museum recently, you don’t know what you’re missing. For us, every day is opening day.”
Story by Claire Ratliff-Sears
Photo by Brian McCord
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