Discover the Rich Museum World of Alaska

Take a step into the museum world of Alaska to witness history come alive and echoes of the past reverberate throughout the ages. Within the vast wilderness and rugged landscapes of this region lie a variety of museums, each offering cultural riches and untold stories. Discovery and enlightenment await at every exhibit, from ancient artifacts of indigenous peoples to those from early explorers. Immerse yourself in the tales of resilience and adventure that define Alaska’s unique identity by wandering through halls filled with relics of bygone eras. No matter what your interests are, Alaska’s museums offer an unforgettable journey into the soul of the Last Frontier. Using this guide, you’ll explore some of Alaska’s most famous museums, highlighting their unique collections and exhibitions.

Anchorage: A Hub of Cultural Gems

• Anchorage Museum: In downtown Anchorage, this is the largest museum in the state and a leading cultural institution. The Anchorage Museum features a range of exhibits focusing on Alaska’s art, history, culture, and science. A variety of galleries showcase indigenous artifacts, contemporary art, natural history displays, and interactive exhibits. Additionally, the museum offers educational programs, workshops, and events for all ages.
  • Entrance fee: $25 for adults and $12 for children over 5
  • Museum Hours: Tue-Sat (10 am to 6 pm)

Buy Anchorage Museum ticket and skip the line

• Alaska Aviation Museum: Take a flight to Alaska’s aviation history at Alaska Aviation Museum dedicated to preserving the state’s rich aviation heritage. You can explore a wide range of aircraft, from vintage bush planes to commercial jets. Learn about pioneering aviators and the challenges and triumphs of aviation in Alaska’s rugged terrain.
  • Entrance fee: $18 for adults and $11 for children over 3
  • Museum Hours: Weekdays (10 am to 5 pm) and Weekends (12 – 5 pm)

• Alaska Native Heritage Center: Native Alaskan culture is preserved and promoted at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. It provides immersive experiences and education programs showcasing Alaska’s indigenous cultures, languages, and customs. In addition to exploring authentic Native village sites, visitors can engage in traditional crafts, storytelling, and interacting with Native artists and performers.
  • Entrance fee: $29 for adults and $19 for children over 4
  • Museum Hours: Everyday (9 am to 5 pm)

Indigenous Cultures of Southeast Alaska

• Sitka History Museum: Sitka was the site of the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States in 1867, which highlights its significant role in Alaska’s history. Visitors can discover the region’s rich history and cultural heritage at the Sitka History Museum in Sitka. The museum, which is part of Sitka Historical Park, displays exhibits, artifacts, and photos that chronicle Sitka’s past, from its indigenous Tlingit roots to its Russian colonial era.
  • Entrance fee: Free (donations are welcome)
  • Museum Hours: Mon-Fri (8 am to 6 pm)

Book a tour to Sitka Historical Park

• Sheldon Jackson Museum: A cultural gem in Sitka, the Sheldon Jackson Museum displays the diverse heritage of Alaska Natives. The building, which sports an octagonal shape, is Alaska’s first concrete building. A museum’s extensive collection includes over 5,000 artifacts, including jewelry, tools, clothes, and ceremonial objects from Alaska’s indigenous communities.
  • Entrance fee: $9 for adults and free for children
  • Museum Hours: Mon-Sat (9 am to 4:30 pm)

• Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center: Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Alaska’s indigenous people. A collection of intricately carved totem poles and other native artifacts, many dating back to the 19th century, is housed in a historic building. Exhibits, demonstrations, and guided tours provide visitors with an understanding of Native Alaskan culture and totem poles.
  • Entrance fee: $6 for adults and free for children
  • Museum Hours: Everyday (8 am to 5 pm)

• Alaska State Museum: Alaska State Museum in Juneau is a comprehensive collection of natural and cultural history of Alaska. The museum’s exhibits and artifacts showcase indigenous cultures, wildlife, and historical events from across the state. A variety of interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and educational programs provide insight into Alaska’s unique heritage and environment at the museum.
  • Entrance fee: $9 for adults and free for children
  • Museum Hours: Tue-Sat (10 am to 4 pm)

Interior Alaska: Gold Rush History

• University of Alaska Museum of the North: Located in Fairbanks, the University of Alaska Museum of the North preserves and shares the diverse cultural and natural history of Alaska and the circumpolar North. Among its extensive collections are artifacts and specimens representing Alaska’s indigenous peoples, wildlife and geology. Immersive exhibitions highlight the region’s cultural heritage and unique ecosystems, including displays about Alaska Native cultures, Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), and geological formations.
  • Entrance fee: $20 for adults and $16 for children over 6
  • Museum Hours: Everyday (9 am to 7 pm)

• Ice Museum Fairbanks: The Ice Museum Fairbanks, located within the Chena Hot Springs Resort near Fairbanks, offers visitors the opportunity to experience an enchanting world of ice and snow. Inside a stunning ice castle, the museum displays intricately carved ice sculptures, furniture, and even a fully functioning ice bar. Explore the museum’s themed rooms and marvel at the meticulous craftsmanship of its ice artists.
  • Entrance fee: $15 for adults and $10 for children over 6
  • Museum Hours: Everyday (10 am to 8 pm) – mid May to September

Book Ice Museum and Chena Hot Springs Tour

• Last Chance Mining Museum: Last Chance Mining Museum in Juneau, Alaska, offers a fascinating look at the history of the gold rush. The museum displays exhibits and artifacts from the heyday of gold mining in the area, housed in the remnants of the Alaska-Juneau Gold Mining Company. Explore the preserved mine buildings, machinery, and equipment to gain an understanding of the challenges and triumphs of early Alaskan mining operations.
  • Entrance fee: $5 for everyone
  • Museum Hours: Everyday (9:30 am to 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm) – by appointment only

Discover Unique Museums

• Alutiiq Museum & Alutiiq Heritage Center: Kodiak is home to the Alutiiq Museum & Alutiiq Heritage Center, which serves as a cultural hub dedicated to preserving and promoting the Alutiiq heritage. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that showcase the history, traditions, and contemporary life of the Alutiiq people. Participate in educational programs and cultural events related to Alutiiq art, language and subsistence practices.
  • Entrance fee: $7 for adults and free for children under 12
  • Museum Hours: Tue-Sat (10 am to 5 pm)

• Wrangell Museum: The Wrangell Museum is a cultural institution in Wrangell dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and heritage of the community. Located in a historic building, the museum exhibits artifacts and photographs illustrating Wrangell’s rich past, including its Tlingit roots and early European settlement. Among the topics displayed at the museum are local industry, maritime history, native culture, and pioneer life.
  • Entrance fee: Free (donations are welcome)
  • Museum Hours: Mon-Fri (10 am to 5 pm)

Tips for Exploring Museums in Alaska

• Research and Plan: You should familiarize yourself with the museum you wish to visit in advance, since opening hours and admission fees may vary based on the time of year.
• Combine your visits: Make the most of your time by combining museum visits with other nearby activities.
• Engage with educational programs: Several museums offer guided tours, lectures, and workshops to provide deeper insights into the exhibits.
• Support the museums: Donate or purchase souvenirs to support the Alaskan museums’ efforts to preserve and share its history.

A deep dive into history…

Exploring Alaska’s rich museum world is a captivating way to learn about the state’s history, culture, and natural heritage. From ancient traditions of the Alaska Native people to gold rush remnants, each museum provides a glimpse into the stories and experiences that have formed Alaska’s identity. Explore artifacts from the past or engage with contemporary exhibits. When you leave these cultural havens, you will not only carry with you memories of these discoveries, but also a deeper appreciation of the rich heritage of Alaska.