Expanding the museum footprint
Published by The Central Oregonian - Story by Ramona McCallister --
The Crook County Historical Society Board, with the support of Crook County, the City of Prineville, and the community, is planning to convert the lot where the Hans building is located into an exhibits center.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BOWMAN MUSEUM AND STEELE ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS - The most recent renderings created by Architect Adam Steele of Steel Associates Architects.
Growth at the Bowman Museum is a never-ending goal.
In a recent interview, Bowman Museum Director Sandor Cohen indicated that they want to create spaces that cultivate the spirit of community and an interest in our region in Crook County.
"In 2012, we added the Bowman Museum History Center with the James and Vivian Zimmerlee Memorial Research Library, as well as a community room for events," added Cohen. "We now want to transform a space for rotating exhibitions to further build our outreach to the community of Crook County."
In 2016, the Bowman Museum purchased the Hans Pharmacy building, which is located east of the recently completed Caboose Park and the main museum. After the Caboose Park was completed, Cohen turned his attention to finding a purpose for the Hans building.
The Crook County Historical Society Board, with the support of Crook County, the City of Prineville, and the community, is planning to convert the lot where the building is located into an exhibits center. Creating an exhibits center, which would showcase frequently changing exhibits, seemed like the best idea for the space since the current museum has no capacity to do new exhibits on a regular basis.
Visitors primarily come to museums to see exhibits. Unless there is a new exhibit, they usually will not return.
"For better or for worse, a museum's success is judged (Including from grant funding agencies) by its visitation numbers—so not having new exhibits will keep the numbers down," indicated Cohen. "After the exhibit center is completed, we expect the visitation numbers to rise significantly."
The purpose of the exhibit center is to host original exhibitions and traveling exhibitions that are primarily focused on the history and culture of Crook County and Central Oregon. As part of the new "cultural district" in downtown Prineville, the exhibits center will greatly increase visitation and tourism. Themes for the exhibits will mostly portray Central Oregon history but will also include art, science and photography exhibits. There will also be modern displays, which include interactive exhibits and immersive environments to appeal to modern audiences and younger generations.
Although the Bowman Museum has earned a well-deserved reputation as the leading museum and cultural center in Crook County and throughout Central Oregon, there is currently no facility to mount temporary exhibits. The exhibits center will fill this void.
The new facility will feature a continuous stream of changing exhibits for visitors to enjoy. The design calls for a new facility in the footprint of the old Hans building, with a beautiful replica of the historical Belknap House, a significant property of Prineville's past. The space in the building provides an exceptional opportunity to have rotating exhibits, featuring displays to highlight the history of Crook County and Central Oregon. It will be a place that is continuously changing, encouraging visitors to return regularly to the museum.
The Crook County Historical Society (CCHS) selected architect Adam Steele of Steel Associates Architects to move forward with the building blueprints. He is currently working on finalized plans, and the CCHS is working with the county on the next steps toward construction.
"Due to the extraordinary generosity of our community, the museum is well on the way toward raising the necessary funds for the exhibit center, but we are still seeking additional support from interested donors in order to make it happen. Naming opportunities are available," added Cohen.
The timeline for construction is still in flux at this time, as final plans are firmed up and fundraising continues. For more information on supporting the Bowman Museum Exhibit Center Campaign – or to make a donation—please contact Cohen at 541-447-3715 or email sandor.cohen@co.crook.or.us. The Bowman Museum is located at 246 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754.
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To make a donation to the exhibits center, please contact Sandy Cohen at 541-447-3715 or email at sandor.cohen@co.crook.or.us. The Bowman Museum is located at 246 N. Main St. Prineville, OR 97754.