State of Montana Newsroom
Montana Heritage Center Opens to Public After 20-Year Journey
Helena, MT — The Montana Heritage Center officially welcomed the public on December 3, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 2 that marked the completion of a 20-year vision and $107 million investment in preserving Montana's cultural heritage.
Hundreds gathered for yesterday's ceremony, which featured Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, major donors Dennis Washington and Norm Asbjornson, Montana Historical Society Director Molly Kruckenberg, and Board President Tim Fox. The event celebrated both the world-class facility and the successful conclusion of a $60 million private fundraising campaign supported by more than 1,300 donors worldwide.
"This project became a reality because Montanans and supporters worldwide understood the importance of investing in our heritage," said Kruckenberg. "The Montana Heritage Center gives our state's extraordinary stories the home they deserve."
The center combines a new 70,000-square-foot addition with the completely renovated 95,000-square-foot Veterans and Pioneers Historic Building. Highlights include:
The Homeland Gallery — A circular journey through Montana's history from the Ice Age to today, featuring ten thematic zones and immersive experiences like a replica mine shaft elevator that recreates descending into a 1920s Butte mine.
Expanded Charles M. Russell Gallery — Nearly three times larger than before, showcasing the legendary Western artist's masterworks.
Changing Gallery — A flexible space, currently featuring the Poindexter Collection of Modern Art.
Norm's Café — Operated by Helena's The Dive Bakery, serving fresh baked goods and sandwiches.
The Gift Shop — Offering Montana and Indigenous-made goods, souvenirs, and Western history books.
The project was funded through a unique partnership: $60 million in private donations, $41.5 million in state funding, and $5.5 million in bonds. No property taxes were used for the project.
The Montana Heritage Center is open seven days a week (except Christmas and Thanksgiving) with free admission for all visitors.
Hours:
- Monday–Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Events at the Montana Heritage Center
Thursday, December 4, 6:30–7:45 p.m. — Screening of Big Medicine: York Outdoors, a National Park Service film about York, the enslaved man who was a full participant in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Q&A with production team member Zacharay Stocks follows.
Saturday, December 6, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — Holiday Pop-Up featuring historic holiday collections, live music, ornament making, cookies, and cocoa.
Coming Soon
- February 2026: Guided tours of the Montana Heritage Center begin
- Spring 2026: Library and Archives reference room opens
- June 25–28, 2026: Multi-day Grand Opening celebration
"Our goal is to provide curated, educational experiences for those who wish to learn the deeper story," said Darby Bramble, Education Officer with the Montana Historical Society. "We want to offer students and lifelong learners the opportunity to enrich their trip to Helena."
To plan your visit and learn more about the Montana Heritage Center, including Gift Shop and Café hours, visit mths.mt.gov or contact mths@mt.gov.