State museum construction begins Monday

Construction of a central concourse connecting the Nevada State Museum's main building and north building will begin Monday and continue through the end of 2008. Throughout construction, the museum will remain open and offer an active calendar of education programs, exhibits, and research services. Visitors will enter through the museum's south entrance on Robinson Street

The park between the museum's two buildings will close for construction. The exhibit Under One Sky: Nevada's Native American Heritage will close for regular viewing.

The new glass and steel structure, designed by Oxoby Architecture of Gardnerville, will resemble a mine head frame at one end, complete with rotating pulley at the top. Museum director, Jim Barmore states, "The structure will create an eye-catching centerpiece, enhancing the museum as a showcase for Nevada and Carson City." Reyman Brothers Construction of Sparks was awarded the contract for construction. The project is under the direction of the Nevada State Public Works Board.

The concourse will unify the museum complex by linking buildings and creating a central admissions area. Visitors will enjoy an elevator, more exhibit space, a larger museum store, and a new entrance to the underground mine exhibit. The new mine entrance will allow removal of a small addition currently on the north side of the historic Carson City Mint. This will add to the historical integrity of the mint, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the concourse will significantly improve access for disabled visitors. Those in wheelchairs will enter through the main entrance, as opposed to a previously used back entrance on the building's south side.