The Museum of Natural and Cultural History re-opens today after more than a year of renovations. The grand opening, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature festivities at noon including a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by University President Dave Frohnmayer and a speech by Museum Director Mel Aikens.
Admission is free.
The museum will also be open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. families with children can take part in special hands-on science activities that explore how archaeologists unearth artifacts.
The museum’s highlight is a new $1 million exhibit, “Oregon — Where Past is Present.” The exhibit explores Oregon’s natural and cultural history from its geological beginnings to today, with an emphasis on Oregon’s indigenous cultures. The exhibit is divided into four parts that represent each of Oregon’s geographic regions and their distinct indigenous groups.
Aikens said the museum attempts to provide a comprehensive look at Oregon’s natural and cultural history, but he admitted it barely scratches the surface.
“It’s just a sketch,” he said.

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