Chilkat blanket with traditional Native Alaskan designs

University Of Alaska Museum Of The North

University of Alaska Museum of the North: Comprehensive Visitor Guide (2025)

Introduction

The University of Alaska Museum of the North, located on the scenic University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, is Alaska’s premier destination for exploring the state’s natural, cultural, and artistic heritage. The museum’s award-winning architecture, extensive collections, and dynamic public programs make it a must-visit for travelers, students, educators, and local residents alike. This detailed guide provides all the essential information you need to plan your visit, including current visiting hours, ticket prices, accessibility, educational offerings, and tips for making the most of your experience in Fairbanks.

For the most current updates, always consult the University of Alaska Museum of the North official website.

Museum Overview and Historical Significance

Founded to preserve, research, and interpret Alaska’s remarkable natural and cultural diversity, the Museum of the North has grown into the state’s largest repository of artifacts and specimens. With over 2.5 million items, the museum chronicles Alaska’s ecological evolution, indigenous histories, and creative expressions. Its collections support international research, inspire educational programs, and foster community engagement, making it a vital hub for understanding Alaska’s past and present.

The museum’s iconic building, inspired by the forms of glaciers, mountains, and auroras, is a tribute to Alaska’s dramatic landscape. Since its expansion in 2005-2006, the design has won several prestigious awards and become a landmark on the Fairbanks skyline (HGA Project Overview; Divisare Project).

Architecture and Visitor Experience

Design and Inspiration

The museum’s architecture, crafted by Joan Soranno and the HGA team, captures the spirit of Alaska’s landscapes through bold, angular forms reminiscent of icebergs, whale fins, and tectonic plates. Its pearlescent white exterior reflects the changing light of Fairbanks, while the interior features a welcoming, light-filled lobby, panoramic windows, and inviting community spaces (Divisare Project; HGA Project Overview).

Accessibility and Amenities

The museum is fully accessible, offering ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices. Service animals are welcome. Additional amenities include a museum store with Alaska Native art and souvenirs, a café, and free Wi-Fi (UAF Museum Plan Your Visit; Alaska Itinerary Guide).

Collections and Notable Exhibits

Research Disciplines and Collections

The museum’s holdings span ten research disciplines:

Archaeology: Ancient settlement artifacts and cultural objects.
Ethnology & History: Alaska Native art, tools, and traditional items.
Fine Arts: Both historical and contemporary works by Alaskan artists.
Earth Sciences: Rocks, minerals, and fossils, including polar dinosaur fossils.
Zoological Collections: Mammals, birds, fish, insects, and reptiles.
Botany: A comprehensive botanical collection (UAF Museum Collections).

Highlighted Galleries

Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery: Showcasing Alaskan art across eras.
Visible Storage Gallery: A behind-the-scenes look at stored collections.
Special Exhibition Gallery: Rotating exhibits featuring new research and themes.
Gallery of Alaska: A journey through Alaska’s environments and cultures.

Signature Exhibits

Blue Babe: The world-famous, mummified Ice Age steppe bison.
The Place Where You Go to Listen: An immersive sound and light installation using real-time environmental data to evoke Alaska’s auroras and natural phenomena.
Interactive Multimedia Displays: Enhance understanding of auroras, wildlife, and geology (Alaska.org).

Visiting Information

Location and Directions

Address: 1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775
Getting There: Easily accessible by car or taxi. Ample metered parking is available behind the museum (credit cards accepted). Public transportation is limited in Fairbanks, but several bus routes reach the UAF campus. Walking paths connect the museum to nearby campus landmarks (My Alaska Trip Parking Info).

Visiting Hours (as of July 2025)

Daily: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:30 PM)
Closed: Some major holidays; check the official website for updates and seasonal adjustments.

Admission & Tickets

Adults: $20
Seniors, Military, Veterans: Discounted rates available
Children under 5: Free
University of Alaska Students: Free with ID
Membership: Includes free admission and additional benefits (UAF Museum Membership)

Purchase: Tickets can be bought online or at the museum entrance.

Visitor Services and Accessibility

Wheelchair access throughout the facility
Accessible restrooms on every floor
Audio guides with volume control and transcripts
Language interpretation available upon request
Museum store offering Alaska Native art, jewelry, books, and gifts (UAF Museum Store)
Café serving snacks and beverages

Educational and Public Programs

School and Youth Programs

Field trips, scavenger hunts, and curriculum-aligned activities for K-12 students and educators (UAF Museum)

Family and Community Events

Regular family days, craft workshops, lectures, and special events open to all ages (Alaska.org)

Collaborative Research and Academic Engagement

University students and faculty collaborate on research, leveraging the museum’s collections (UAF Catalog)

Public Lectures and Auditorium Shows

Popular auditorium shows such as “Dynamic Aurora” and “Winter” run multiple times daily in the summer, exploring the science and wonder of the northern lights and Alaska’s winter ecology (Alaska.org)

Alaska Native Cultural Programs

Workshops and storytelling events developed with Alaska Native artists and elders, highlighting traditional crafts and spiritual beliefs

Resources for Educators

Lesson plans, virtual tours, and professional development workshops available online (UAF Museum)

Virtual Tours and Digital Resources

360-degree virtual tours
Downloadable guides for remote exploration
Audio guide app with wildlife calls, curator interviews, and historical recordings

For virtual resources and online exhibits, visit the museum’s website.

Tips for Visitors

Recommended Visit Duration: 90 minutes to two hours; more for special programs or in-depth exploration.
Photography: Personal, non-flash photography is allowed in most areas. Some exhibits may have restrictions.
Group Visits: Advance reservations recommended for groups and school tours, with special rates available.
Dress for the weather: Fairbanks’ climate can vary dramatically, so plan accordingly.
Combine with Local Attractions: Pair your museum visit with Fairbanks highlights such as Pioneer Park, the Fairbanks Ice Museum, Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, and the Morris Thompson Cultural Center (Alaska Itinerary Guide).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the current visiting hours?
A: Open daily, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, last admission at 6:30 PM. Check the official site for updates.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: $20 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military, and children. Children under 5 are free.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, fully wheelchair accessible, with additional services for visitors with disabilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours can be booked in advance, especially for groups.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Personal-use photography (no flash, no tripods) is permitted in most galleries.

Q: How can I enhance my visit?
A: Download the Audiala app for museum guides and updates, and check out the museum’s virtual tours online.

Final Recommendations

The University of Alaska Museum of the North is a cultural cornerstone, seamlessly blending scientific research, indigenous heritage, and contemporary art within an inspiring architectural setting. Whether you’re fascinated by Ice Age relics like “Blue Babe,” Alaska Native artistry, or the immersive “Place Where You Go to Listen” installation, your visit promises discovery and insight. With accessible facilities, engaging educational programs, and proximity to other Fairbanks attractions, it’s an essential stop on any Alaskan itinerary. For up-to-date details, special events, and digital resources, always refer to the museum’s official website.