North Dakota State University is set to unveil its first university museum, an innovative project aimed at unifying and exhibiting a diverse collection of more than 1 million objects and artifacts from across campus. The launch celebration for the NDSU Museum and Collections took place Sept. 17-19 at the Memorial Union Gallery, and featured a reception, tours and student panels.
The opening event on Sept. 17 included a reception and dedication by NDSU President David Cook. Attendees were able to meet with key organizers, including Michael Strand, director of the NDSU School of Design, Architecture and Art. Strand called the museum a “once-in-a-career opportunity” that will benefit both the campus and the surrounding community. The celebration continued Sept. 18 and 19 with guided and self-guided tours of the museum’s exhibits.
Unlike traditional museums located in a single building, the NDSU museum will have displays across different areas on campus. Core galleries will be in the Memorial Union, the NDSU Main Library and the new President’s Gallery in Old Main. Smaller exhibit spaces will also be spread out across campus. This setup will offer visitors the chance to see collections that include archives, art, athletics, design, historical objects, textiles and scientific items.
One of the highlights of the opening night at the Memorial Union was a main gallery that featured a variety of pieces, accompanied by TVs lining the walls that discussed the significance and background of the displayed items. Some student artists were present to speak about their work, sharing insights into their creative processes and how their contributions align with the museum’s vision of showcasing both historical and contemporary art.
Beyond the Union, the NDSU Library featured a display of animal artifacts, showing how different species perceive and interact with the world. This focus on nature added another layer to the museum’s diverse approach.
A special feature of the NDSU Museum and Collections is its use of modular, portable displays called “portals.” These portals can be placed in different locations on campus or even in the community. “The portals can accompany gatherings, football games, or be set up as temporary or long-term installations,” Strand said. “This makes our museum more active and connected to the community, rather than just being inside one building.”
The museum’s launch is supported by a $75,000 NDSU Foundation Impact Grant, with additional funding from the NDSU College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Design, Architecture and Art and NDSU Libraries. This financial support will allow the museum to host both rotating and static displays across campus, utilizing existing public spaces like the Memorial Union Gallery.
The project has also benefited from the efforts of several NDSU student fellows, who assisted with collection organization, documentation, curation, branding and design. Their contributions were highlighted during the opening event, particularly through a student panel discussing their experiences and the museum’s impact.
Looking ahead, the museum’s decentralized and flexible design allows it to adapt to the evolving needs of the NDSU community. Discussions are ongoing about how to enhance public access, including potential virtual and online components. “Twenty-five years from now, this founding group will be able to look back and know they have had a lasting impact on NDSU, the region, and beyond,” Strand added.
As a student-focused, land-grant research university, NDSU aims to serve its citizens through innovative projects like this museum, which promises to offer a rich array of educational and cultural experiences.