UA Museum of the North

The on-campus museum of science and art is one of Alaska's best. The building is a swooping combination of grand, graceful shapes that recall moving icebergs or perhaps the northern lights. Alaska's largest natural history collection is here, and its most scholarly, with information presented at advanced as well as elementary levels. Some of the objects have a real wow factor, such as Blue Babe, the mummified steppe bison, and a 5,400-pound copper nugget. The art is no less inspiring. A towering gallery contains thematic presentations of contemporary works alongside Native and archaeological objects, sound, crafts, and much more. A sound and light installation on the second floor, "The Place Where You Go To Listen," received a lengthy review by The New Yorker in 2008, which said the piece confirmed Fairbanks composer John Luther Adams as "one of the most original musical thinkers of the new century." Visit the auditorium for presentations on the aurora, winter, and other subjects.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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