Museum of the North Fairbanks

An Introduction to the Museum of the North Fairbanks

Museum of the North Fairbanks , located on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), is far more than a simple collection of artifacts. It is a vital institution that serves as a cultural and scientific hub for the entire state and the circumpolar north. From its stunning architecture to its comprehensive exhibits, the museum provides a powerful and immersive introduction to the Last Frontier.

Brief History of the Museum of the North Fairbanks

Museum of the North Fairbanks’s history is deeply intertwined with that of the university itself. It was mandated by the original legislation that established the university in 1917, and its first collections were gathered in the 1920s by local naturalist Otto Geist. For decades, the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s collections grew, eventually outgrowing their initial home on the UAF campus.

In 2005, a major expansion opened, doubling the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s size and giving it a new, iconic architectural identity. The building’s unique design, with its severe angles and curves, was inspired by the Alaskan landscape itself, evoking images of glaciers, mountains, and the aurora borealis. This architectural statement transformed the museum into a signature landmark for both the university and the state.

Importance as a Cultural and Research Center

Museum of the North Fairbanks is Alaska’s only teaching and research museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Its mission is to acquire, conserve, investigate, and interpret specimens and collections that illuminate the natural, artistic, and cultural heritage of Alaska.

• Research Hub: The Museum of the North Fairbanks houses over 2.5 million artifacts and specimens, from archaeological finds spanning 14,000 years to one of the world’s largest collections of Arctic mammals. This vast collection supports local, national, and international research programs, with a focus on issues unique to the North like biodiversity loss and climate change.
• Cultural Repository: The Museum of the North Fairbanks is a premier repository for artifacts collected on public lands in Alaska. It works closely with Alaska Native communities to preserve and interpret indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions, honoring the land and its peoples.

Why It’s a Must-Visit in Fairbanks, Alaska

A trip to Fairbanks isn’t complete without a visit to the Museum of the North Fairbanks, as it serves as the single best introduction to the vast and diverse state of Alaska.

• Award-Winning Exhibits: The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s galleries are beautifully curated and engaging. They showcase a comprehensive timeline of Alaskan history, from prehistoric times to the modern day. Highlights include the remains of a 36,000-year-old mummified steppe bison (“Blue Babe”), a 9-foot-tall brown bear, and the state’s largest public display of gold.
• A Broad Spectrum of Art and History: The Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery displays a stunning collection of art from the past 2,000 years, from ancient Eskimo ivory carvings to contemporary works by both Native and non-Native artists.
• The “Place Where You Go to Listen”: This unique exhibit is a room where sound and light respond in real-time to natural phenomena like the aurora borealis and seismic activity, offering a truly immersive and meditative experience.
• Educational and Engaging: Whether you are interested in geology, paleontology, anthropology, or art, the Museum of the North Fairbanks has something to captivate you. It offers daily educational programs and films that provide deeper insights into topics like the Northern Lights and Alaska’s diverse wildlife.

Location and Accessibility

The Museum of the North Fairbanks is a key landmark on the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) campus, located on the West Ridge. Its prominent position and distinctive architecture make it easy to find and a great starting point for exploring the rest of the campus.

How to Get There

• By Car: Museum of the North Fairbanks is easily accessible by car. From the Parks Highway, follow the signs to the UAF campus. Once on campus, follow the signs for the museum, which is located at 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775.
• By Bus: Fairbanks’s public transit system, MACS Transit, provides a cost-effective way to get to the museum. Several bus lines, including the Blue, Red, and Yellow lines, have stops conveniently located near the museum on Yukon Drive.
• From the Airport: Museum of the North Fairbanks is located just a few miles from Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). A taxi or ride-sharing service from the airport typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a MACS Transit bus from the airport to the UAF campus.

Parking and Entry Information

• Parking: On-site parking is available for a fee in lots near the Museum of the North Fairbanks. Visitors can pay for parking at kiosks located in the parking lots. The kiosks accept cash, coins, and credit cards.
• Admission: Museum of the North Fairbanks has a general admission fee, with discounted rates for seniors, youth, and Alaska residents. Children aged 5 and under are free. Admission often includes access to the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s daily films and other special programs. You can check their official website for the most up-to-date hours and admission prices.
• Accessibility: Museum of the North Fairbanks is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators that make it easy for all visitors to navigate the exhibits.

The Museum of the North Fairbanks a remarkable art collection that provides a powerful visual narrative of the Alaskan experience. Its galleries offer a comprehensive look at the state’s artistic heritage, from ancient indigenous works to contemporary pieces.

Art Collections

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s fine arts collection is a centerpiece of its offerings, housed primarily in the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery. This gallery presents a stunning range of art spanning 2,000 years, offering a compelling view of Alaska through the eyes of its artists, both native and non-native.

Alaska Native Art

The Museum of the North Fairbanks is home to a world-class collection of Alaska Native art, with a focus on both historical and contemporary works. This collection provides an important window into the rich cultural traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples.

• Ancient Artifacts: A highlight of the collection is the ancient ivory carvings, including the 2,000-year-old Okvik Madonna, a small, elegant carving that is one of the museum’s most prized possessions. These artifacts showcase the incredible skill and artistry of early Alaskans.
• Traditional and Contemporary Works: The collection features a wide range of traditional items, from ceremonial masks and intricate beadwork to functional objects that are beautiful works of art. The Museum of the North Fairbanks is also committed to showcasing the work of contemporary Alaska Native artists, demonstrating how indigenous traditions continue to evolve and thrive in modern art forms.

Contemporary Alaskan Artists

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s collection extends beyond historical pieces to include a strong representation of contemporary art. It features works by both Native and non-Native artists who draw inspiration from the Alaskan landscape and way of life.

• Diverse Media: The collection includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photography that capture the unique beauty and harsh realities of living in the North. Works often explore themes of identity, environment, and the human relationship with the land.
• Featured Artists: The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s online highlights mention artists like Sonya Kelliher-Combs, who works with traditional materials in contemporary ways, and Ronald W. Senungetuk, a renowned artist and educator. These artists provide a modern voice to the Alaskan experience.

Rotating Art Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent galleries, the Museum of the North Fairbanks regularly hosts rotating art exhibitions. These temporary shows provide a fresh perspective and feature new themes, ensuring that even repeat visitors will find something new to discover.

• Dynamic and Thematic: Past exhibitions have focused on a wide variety of topics, from historical photographs of early Alaskan life to contemporary pieces that address issues like climate change and colonization. These exhibitions often bring in art from other institutions and showcase the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s extensive collections in new and insightful ways.

The Museum of the North Fairbanks offers a comprehensive look at the state’s natural history, from the geological forces that shaped the land to the diverse wildlife that calls it home. Its exhibits are both scientifically rigorous and visually captivating, providing a deep understanding of Alaska’s past and present.

Ice Age Fossils and Ancient Animals

The museum is a world-renowned center for paleontology, holding an extensive collection of fossils from Alaska’s past. A highlight of its collection is the well-preserved remains of animals that roamed the state during the Pleistocene epoch.

• “Blue Babe”: The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s most famous exhibit is “Blue Babe,” a 36,000-year-old mummified steppe bison. Discovered by gold miners in the permafrost, the bison’s remarkably preserved hide and bones offer a rare glimpse into Ice Age life. The exhibit tells the story of how the animal was killed by an Ice Age American lion and how its body was preserved by the frozen ground, eventually being excavated and brought to the Museum of the North Fairbanks for study.
• Dinosaur Discoveries: The Museum of the North Fairbanks houses the world’s largest collection of polar dinosaurs, with thousands of bones from dinosaurs that lived in the Arctic during the Late Cretaceous Period. This collection is a testament to the fact that dinosaurs once roamed a climate that was cold, dark, and snowy for much of the year, challenging traditional theories about their physiology.

Alaska’s Wildlife Displays

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s exhibits on Alaska’s wildlife are a visual feast, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the state’s ecosystems. The Gallery of Alaska is divided into five regional sections, each highlighting the distinct natural and cultural history of the area.

• Lifelike Taxidermy: The displays feature expertly preserved specimens of many of Alaska’s most iconic animals, including a massive brown bear, moose, caribou, and a variety of smaller mammals. These lifelike exhibits provide a close-up look at the size and scale of these animals.
• Themed Displays: Each gallery is a showcase of both the animal life and the human cultures of its corresponding region, from the mammals of the vast Interior to the marine life of the coastal regions.

Interactive Geology and Paleontology Exhibits

The Museum of the North Fairbanks goes beyond static displays with interactive exhibits that engage visitors and make complex scientific concepts accessible.

• Geology: The Earth Sciences collection features a spectacular display of minerals, gems, and rocks, including meteorites. An exhibit on the state’s gold deposits and its geologic history explains how the mineral wealth of Alaska was formed.
• “The Place Where You Go to Listen”: While not a traditional geology exhibit, this unique room responds in real-time to data from the Alaska Earthquake Center and other seismic monitors. The room’s sound and light environment changes with earthquake activity and the position of the sun and moon, offering a mesmerizing and immersive experience of the geological and celestial forces that shape Alaska.

The Museum of the North Fairbanks offers a profound and insightful look into the cultural heritage of the state, going beyond natural history to tell the stories of its people. Its exhibits on indigenous cultures, archaeology, and historical lifestyles are central to understanding Alaska’s identity.

Indigenous Alaskan Cultures and Traditions

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s ethnology collection is one of its most important resources, featuring thousands of artifacts that represent the diverse cultures of Alaska’s Native peoples, from the Arctic to the Southeast.

• Diverse Cultural Groups: The exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of Alaska’s major indigenous groups, including the Iñupiat and Yup’ik of the coastal regions, the Athabascan peoples of the Interior, and the Tlingit and Haida of the Southeast. You can see how each group’s culture, tools, and art were uniquely adapted to their specific environment.
• Traditional Lifeways: The exhibits showcase traditional clothing, tools, and ceremonial objects, such as masks and intricately carved hunting implements. Visitors can see beautifully crafted parkas, snowshoes, and baskets, and learn about the skills and knowledge passed down through generations. The Museum of the North Fairbanks also works with Alaska Native elders and artists to ensure that their traditions are honored and accurately represented.

Archaeological Artifacts

TheMuseum of the North Fairbanks’s archaeology collection is a treasure trove of artifacts that tell the story of human life in Alaska dating back thousands of years.

• Prehistoric Alaska: The exhibits on archaeology showcase artifacts from various prehistoric sites across the state, providing clues about the lives of the earliest inhabitants of the land. Displays include ancient stone tools, weapons, and decorative objects that reveal the ingenuity and artistry of early Alaskans.
• The “Okvik Madonna”: A highlight of the archaeological collection is the Okvik Madonna, a subtle yet priceless 2,000-year-old ivory carving. This delicate piece is a testament to the sophisticated artistic traditions that existed in the Bering Strait region long before European contact.

Alaskan Lifestyle Through History

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s exhibits don’t just focus on the past; they also show how Alaska’s unique history has shaped the lives of both Native peoples and later settlers.

• The Gold Rush: The Museum of the North Fairbanks provides context for the Alaska Gold Rush, with exhibits that show the tools, living conditions, and daily challenges faced by prospectors. It helps visitors understand the dramatic influx of people and how this period changed the landscape and culture of the state forever.
• Daily Life: You can explore historical photographs and artifacts that depict life in early Alaskan villages and towns. From the technology used for travel and transportation to the challenges of building and living in a sub-arctic environment, the exhibits provide an immersive look into the history of living in the North.

The Museum of the North Fairbanks regularly hosts a variety of special exhibitions that complement its permanent collections. These temporary and traveling exhibits ensure that there is always something new and exciting for visitors to discover.

Seasonal or Temporary Exhibits

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s special exhibitions often focus on unique themes related to Alaska, the Arctic, and the latest research from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. These exhibits provide a fresh perspective on topics from art and culture to science and history.

• Focused Themes: Past and upcoming exhibits have explored a wide range of subjects, such as:
  • The history of humor and identity in Alaska.
  • The work of wilderness explorers and their documentation of the Alaskan landscape.
  • The environmental impacts on the Arctic, including the phenomenon of “rust rivers.”
  • The role of the Arctic in the Cold War and its connection to the cosmos.
• Art and Culture: Special exhibits often highlight specific artists or cultural traditions, showcasing contemporary art and the work of Alaska Native artists in new and engaging ways.
• Student and Senior Exhibitions: The Museum of the North Fairbanks also features exhibits that highlight the work of students from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and other artists, providing a platform for emerging talent and unique perspectives.

Traveling Exhibitions Hosted by the Museum of the North Fairbanks

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s reputation as a leader in Arctic research and culture means it often hosts traveling exhibitions from other institutions. This allows visitors to see world-class collections and cutting-edge research from around the globe.

• Collaborative Exhibits: The Museum of the North Fairbanks collaborates with other institutions to bring a variety of shows to Fairbanks. These exhibitions have explored diverse topics like the art and history of ivory carvings from the Anchorage Museum and the importance of snow in our global climate system, an exhibit developed in collaboration with the UAF Geophysical Institute and other museums.
• Unique Perspectives: By hosting traveling exhibits, the Museum of the North Fairbanks provides its visitors with a broader perspective on topics relevant to Alaska and the world, from human history to environmental science, ensuring a dynamic and ever-changing visitor experience.

Visitor Information

Planning your visit to the Museum of the North Fairbanks is straightforward, but it’s important to be aware of the seasonal changes in hours and the various admission options.

Museum Hours and Admission

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s operating hours and ticket prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check their official website before your visit. However, here is a general overview of what you can expect:

• Summer Hours: From mid-May to mid-September, the Museum of the North Fairbanks is open seven days a week, typically from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission sales usually close about 30 minutes before the museum closes.
• Winter Hours: From mid-September to mid-May, the Museum of the North Fairbanks is generally open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is typically closed on Sundays. The Museum of the North Fairbanks also closes for major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
• Ticket Prices: Standard admission fees vary, but generally range around $22 for adults. There are often discounted rates for seniors (65+), youth (6-17), and Alaska residents with a valid ID. Children aged five and under are typically admitted for free.

Free Days and Discounts

The Museum of the North Fairbanks has several programs to make its collections accessible to a wider audience.

• Alaska Resident Discounts: Alaska residents, with a valid ID, often receive a discounted admission price, a great benefit for those who live in the state.
• “Museums for All” Program: The Museum of the North Fairbanks participates in the “Museums for All” program, which offers free admission to individuals and families receiving food assistance through SNAP. By presenting an EBT card from any state, you can receive free general admission for up to four individuals.
• Free Admission: Admission is free for museum members, UAF students and staff with a valid ID, and children aged five and under.
• Military Discounts: The Museum of the North Fairbanks offers free admission to active-duty military and veterans with a valid ID.
• Special Events: The Museum of the North Fairbanks hosts special free admission days and events throughout the year, such as the annual Halloween event and special holiday open houses. Be sure to check their online calendar for details.

The Museum of the North Fairbanks of the North Fairbanks of the North is designed to be a comfortable and welcoming space for all visitors, with a variety of on-site amenities and resources to enhance your experience.

Museum Café and Gift Shop

• Museum Café: The North Museum Café is a convenient spot to refuel during your visit. Located within the museum, it offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, baked goods, snacks, and light lunch items. It’s a great place to take a break and enjoy a meal in the beautiful, light-filled lobby with its large windows.
• Museum Store: The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s gift shop is a destination in itself. It is filled with a wide variety of Alaskan-made products and art, including Native Alaskan carvings, jewelry, books, and other unique souvenirs. The store directly supports Alaskan families and communities by purchasing items directly from local artists.

Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities

The Museum of the North Fairbanks is committed to providing a fully accessible experience for all visitors.

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The entire Museum of the North Fairbanks, including its galleries, restrooms, and public spaces, is wheelchair accessible. Elevators and ramps are available to help visitors navigate the different levels and exhibits.
• Parking: The Museum of the North Fairbanks provides designated accessible parking spaces near the main entrance for visitors with disabilities.
• Other Accommodations: The Museum of the North Fairbanks provides various other accommodations, and visitors can contact the museum in advance to inquire about specific needs.

Guided Tours and Audio Guides

To help visitors get the most out of their time in the galleries, the Museum of the North Fairbanks offers several ways to experience the collections with expert guidance.

• Audio Guides: The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s audio guide is available as a free mobile app for both iPhone and Android devices. This guide provides an immersive experience with narrated tours, including sounds of wildlife, interviews with curators and elders, and historical recordings. The audio guide is an excellent way to learn more about the exhibits at your own pace.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: The Museum of the North Fairbanks offers special “Behind-the-Scenes” tours on select dates. These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the collections and research areas that are not open to the general public, offering a closer look at the museum’s important work.
• Self-Guided Tours: In addition to the audio guide, the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s website and app offer several self-guided walking tours, including a tour of the museum’s exterior and grounds that highlights the architectural design and outdoor exhibits.

The Museum of the North Fairbanks is a dynamic institution that goes far beyond its static exhibits, offering a wide array of events and programs designed to engage visitors of all ages and interests.

Educational Workshops

The Museum of the North Fairbanks serves as a valuable resource for both the local community and educators, providing a variety of workshops and learning opportunities.

• For Educators: The Museum of the North Fairbanks hosts specialized workshops for teachers and homeschooling parents, focusing on topics like marine mammals, sea ice science, and how to use museum collections and specimens in the classroom. These workshops often include hands-on activities and opportunities to interact directly with museum scientists and educators.
• For Teens: The Museum of the North Fairbanks offers ARTSci Teen Workshops, which explore the connections between art and science. These workshops are designed to help teens discover new skills and create unique pieces to take home.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Museum of the North Fairbanks is a fantastic destination for families, with a variety of programs designed to make learning fun and interactive for all ages.

• Family Days: These themed monthly events are a highlight for many local families. On a designated Saturday, the Museum of the North Fairbanks offers hands-on activities, games, crafts, and opportunities to meet curators and scientists. Past themes have included “Fish,” “Trees,” and “Geology.”
• Family Programs: The Museum of the North Fairbanks offers monthly “Family Programs” with a different theme each month, encouraging multi-generational collaboration through hands-on investigations and crafts.
• Museum Sleepovers: For a truly unique experience, the Museum of the North Fairbanks hosts sleepovers where families can spend the night exploring the galleries after hours, creating, and sleeping among the exhibits.
• Family Room: For younger children, the Museum of the North Fairbanks has a dedicated Family Room with toys, puzzles, books, and hands-on objects that encourage play and discovery.

Special Events and Lectures

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s calendar is filled with special events that attract visitors and members of the community.

• Halloween at the Museum: This popular annual event provides a festive and educational experience. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes and can participate in hands-on activities, explore the galleries after hours, and learn about specimens with museum staff.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: The Museum of the North Fairbanks offers special “Behind-the-Scenes” tours on select dates, which allow visitors to see the research and collections areas that are not normally open to the public.
• Movies and Lectures: The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s auditorium regularly shows films that offer deeper insights into topics covered in the exhibits, such as the aurora borealis, wildlife, and natural science. It also hosts public lectures and events, often featuring UAF faculty and visiting scientists, on a wide range of topics.

Why Visit the Museum of the North Fairbanks?

The Museum of the North Fairbanks is more than a building filled with artifacts; it is a vital institution that serves as a cornerstone of Alaska’s cultural and scientific identity. A visit here is an essential part of any trip to Fairbanks, offering a profound and unforgettable experience.

Unique Experiences You Can’t Find Elsewhere

The Museum of the North Fairbanks provides a singular opportunity to see Alaska through multiple lenses—art, science, and history—all under one roof. It is the only place where you can:

• See the Past Up Close: Witness the remarkably preserved remains of “Blue Babe,” a 36,000-year-old mummified steppe bison, providing a tangible link to Alaska’s Ice Age history.
• Experience Sound and Light: Stand in the unique exhibit, “The Place Where You Go to Listen,” where sound and light respond in real-time to the state’s natural seismic activity and celestial events like the Northern Lights.
• Connect with the Art of the North: View the world’s finest collection of Alaskan art, from ancient ivory carvings to contemporary works that reflect the unique beauty and spirit of the circumpolar north.

Importance for Students, Researchers, and Tourists

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s value extends far beyond its exhibits. It plays a critical role as an educational and research center for the entire state. Its vast collection of over 2.5 million specimens and artifacts is an invaluable resource for scientists and students from around the globe, with a particular focus on Arctic research. For the tourist, this translates into an experience that is not only engaging but also scientifically and culturally authentic. The museum serves as an ideal introduction to the state, providing context for everything else you will see and do in Alaska.

Top Reasons the Museum is a Fairbanks Highlight

From its commanding presence on the UAF campus to its rich collections, the Museum of the North Fairbanks stands out as a top attraction for several reasons:

• It’s a “One-Stop Shop”: If you only have time for one stop in Fairbanks, the museum is it. It provides a comprehensive overview of Alaska’s natural history, wildlife, art, and diverse cultural groups.
• It is a Hub of Knowledge: The museum’s educational workshops, lectures, and family programs make it a dynamic and interactive place to learn.
• Its Architecture is an Attraction: The building’s iconic design, inspired by Alaskan landscapes and glaciers, is a piece of art in itself, and its location offers a spectacular vantage point for a panoramic view of the Tanana Valley and the Alaska Range.

Tips for Your Visit

To ensure your visit to the Museum of the North Fairbanks is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these practical tips in mind.

Best Time to Visit

The Museum of the North Fairbanks is open year-round, but your experience can vary with the season.

• Summer (May to September): This is peak tourist season. The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s hours are extended, and all exhibits and tours are fully operational. However, you can expect larger crowds, especially on cruise-ship days. Visiting early in the day or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the biggest crowds.
• Winter (October to April): The Museum of the North Fairbanks operates on a shorter schedule and is closed on Sundays, but you will experience fewer crowds. This makes for a more relaxed and intimate visit, allowing you to take your time in the galleries. The winter season also aligns perfectly with prime Northern Lights viewing, so a museum visit can be an excellent daytime activity to pair with aurora hunting at night.

How Much Time to Spend Inside

To fully appreciate the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s extensive collections, plan to spend at least two to three hours inside.

• Comprehensive Experience: A two-to-three-hour visit allows you to comfortably explore the major galleries, including the Gallery of Alaska, the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, and the special exhibits. It also gives you time to sit and watch one of the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s short films, such as the popular “Dynamic Aurora” show.
• A Quick Visit: If you have limited time, you can focus on the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s highlights, such as the famous “Blue Babe” mummified bison, the impressive wildlife taxidermy, and the unique “Place Where You Go to Listen” exhibit. This can be done in about an hour.

Photography Rules and Visitor Guidelines

The Museum of the North Fairbanks has a few simple rules to ensure the safety of the collections and the comfort of all visitors.

• Photography: Personal, non-commercial photography is permitted in the galleries. However, the use of flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, or other extended equipment is prohibited. This is to protect sensitive artifacts and to ensure a pleasant experience for other visitors.
• Bags and Belongings: Small bags are generally allowed in the galleries, but large backpacks and bags may need to be stored in the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s lockers, which are available for a small fee.
• Food and Drink: Food and beverages are not allowed in the galleries to protect the artifacts from potential damage. You can enjoy snacks and drinks in the Museum of the North Fairbanks’s café or designated lobby areas.
• Behavior: Visitors are asked to maintain a respectful distance from the exhibits and to refrain from touching any artifacts unless a “Please Touch” sign is explicitly posted.

Conclusion: The Heart of Alaska’s Story

A visit to the Museum of the North Fairbanks is more than a simple stop on your itinerary; it is an immersive journey into the very essence of the Last Frontier. The Museum of the North Fairbanks serves as the definitive starting point for understanding the natural, cultural, and historical fabric of this vast and complex state.

Why the Museum of the North Fairbanks is a Must-Visit

The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s unique combination of features makes it an unparalleled attraction:

• A Building as Art: The Museum of the North Fairbanks’s iconic, award-winning architecture, inspired by glaciers and mountains, is a piece of art in itself. It’s a visual marvel that perfectly sets the stage for the treasures inside.
• The Best Introduction to Alaska: No other single location provides such a comprehensive and cohesive overview of Alaska’s diverse ecosystems, rich indigenous cultures, and dramatic history. From ancient fossils to contemporary art, every exhibit tells a vital part of the Alaskan story.
• Unique Experiences: Where else can you see a 36,000-year-old mummified bison, stand in a room where sound and light respond to real-time seismic activity, and witness a world-class collection of Alaskan art, all in one afternoon? These are the singular, unforgettable experiences that define a visit to the UAMN.

Plan Your Visit Today

Whether you are a researcher, a student, a family, or a curious traveler, the Museum of the North Fairbanks offers something to captivate your imagination. Its engaging exhibits, family-friendly programs, and fascinating lectures provide a rich, educational experience that will deepen your appreciation for Alaska’s remarkable heritage. It is not just a museum; it is the Golden Heart City’s most valuable resource, an essential chapter in the story of the North that you can experience firsthand.