$1 million gift could transform university museum
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Selections from the University of Arkansas Museum's collections. Photo: Grant Schol/Courtesy of University of Arkansas
Much of the public might not know that they can access more than 7.5 million objects at the University of Arkansas Museum. A $1 million gift could change that.
Why it matters: The museum is undergoing a process to determine what its future space, staffing and overall presence will be, with a goal of increasing the impact and accessibility of the collections, curator of education and engagement Laurel Lamb told Axios.
- The museum has made the most of its current space and has a lot of potential, she said, calling it an "incredible resource." The collection includes archaeology, ethnology, history, geology and zoology objects.
Catch up quick: The museum has existed in one form or another since 1873, just two years after the university was founded. Lately, the collections have been in storage on North Hatch Avenue, north of the main campus, not on display in a traditional museum setting that's clearly open and inviting to the public.
- Yes, but: They're still regularly used for teaching on campus and for research, including by international researchers, and anyone can make an appointment to access the collections, Lamb said. The museum occasionally has public open houses, has put objects on display at community pop-up events and has an online database.
State of play: A recent $1 million donation from alumni Bob and Becky Alexander launched a 32-week planning process to decide what's next for the museum.
- The donation covers a contract worth about $100,000 with consulting firm Lord Cultural Resources to conduct feasibility studies, development officer Becca Bradley told Axios. The rest of the money can go toward potential expenses like staffing, marketing or space for the museum.
- The process will start by assessing the museum's collections, facilities, operations, visitor experience and growth potential, according to a news release. The consulting firm will then develop recommendations and assess the financial feasibility of expansion or relocation.
What we're watching: The firm's recommendations for the museum, which are expected in early 2027.