Belknap Exhibit Center

Just a short walk from the main Bowman Museum, beyond Caboose Park and its vintage 1940s railcar, the Belknap Center adds a dynamic new dimension to Prineville’s cultural landscape. Located at the corner of Third and Belknap streets, the Center is a modern structure thoughtfully designed to echo the historic charm of an earlier era—specifically inspired by the original home of Dr. Horace Belknap, Prineville’s first physician.

This new building stands on the site once occupied by a series of well-loved businesses—including Hans Pharmacy, a Dairy Queen, and, earlier still, a gas station. In 2016, the Crook County Historical Society acquired the property with a vision: to create an exhibit space capable of hosting larger and more frequently changing displays than the main museum could accommodate. The result is a beautiful, 2,000-square-foot venue that blends historic style with contemporary function.

Inside, the Belknap Center offers rotating exhibits that dive into different aspects of Crook County and Central Oregon history—from natural history to regional industries, cultural stories, and special traveling collections. Its layout and decor nod to the past, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Outside, a charming garden and gazebo dedicated to community leaders offer a peaceful spot to rest or reflect—while also drawing in foot traffic from the nearby park and downtown streets.

Since its opening, the Belknap Center has hosted several exciting exhibits, giving museum staff the chance to pull fascinating items from the archives and put them on public display. It’s helping to grow local tourism, but more importantly, it’s creating new opportunities for the community to engage with the history that shaped them.

As a venue designed for change, the Belknap Center helps the Bowman Museum bring more of its collection to light—and gives locals and tourists alike a reason to return again and again. Whether you’re visiting for a featured exhibit or simply exploring downtown Prineville, the Belknap Center is a must-see stop in a growing cultural district that celebrates where we’ve been—and where we’re going.

Belknap Exhibit Center
136 NE 3rd, Prineville, OR

HOURS
Tuesday – Friday: 10-5
2nd and 4th Saturday: 11-4