Alaska State Museum

Address:395 Whittier St.
Juneau, Alaska
Tel: (907) 465-2901

See all of Alaska under one roof at the Alaska State Museum. Since June 6, 1900, none other than the U.S. Congress created the Museum for the District of Alaska, and it has since served as a collection, preserve, and exhibit of Alaskan artifacts, natural history specimens, art objects, and other items that pertain to the natural history, culture and ethnography of Alaska. With over 27,000 objects, the Museum will leave you with an appreciation for the enriching qualities of a multi-cultural life.

The Alaska State Museum, housed in a unique building, has been added to the national Registrar of Historic Places. The first of two stories of the Museum include a fascinating exhibit on the Aleut, Eskimo, Athabaskan and Northwest Coast peoples. Fantastic Aleut woven baskets of beach grass, so fine they compare to linen, and woven cards are on display, as well as purses, hunting hats, and kayaks. The Athabaskan display includes masks, arrows and snowshoes and a a diorama depicting an Athabaskan man and woman with traditional clothing and tools (including a bear spear) which brings to life this wondrous culture.

Fishing and hunting instruments of ivory, bone, metal, and wood as well as animal skin drums and a 34 foot long umiak (kayak boat) await your viewing pleasure at the Eskimo gallery. Beautiful artifacts and totem poles are featured in exhibit of the Northwest Coast Indians.

Visitors to the Alaska State Museum will also enjoy an exhibit on Russian explorers to Alaska, recounting the story of how Russia's 1741 expedition led to the sale of Alaska to the U.S. for a mere $7.2 million. The American Period of Alaska's history is reflected by a variety of exhibits dedicated to the pioneering Americans' thrilling gold rush and nautical advances. The Children's Room exhibits a one-third scale model of the stern of the ship Discovery, used by Captain George Vancouver during his Alaskan explorations. Children can dress-up in costumes and enjoy natural history exhibits. Temporary exhibitions throughout the year showcase gorgeous collections of Alaskan art created by native artists.

The non-profit Alaska State Museum gift store sells a wide variety of items including traditional masks and soap stones.

The Alaska State Museum is located in downtown Juneau, a ten minute walk from the Marine Park information kiosk. Go west on Egan Dr. and make a right on Whittier. The Museum is on your left. Are you ready to take off that parka, and explore Alaska's rich and vibrant past?

Alaska was under the Russian flag for 126 years, almost as long as it has been part of the United States. The museum's historical collection of 1,700 objects includes both the Russian colonial era and the American period (1867 to present). Outstanding among the Russian objects are a bronze double-headed eagle emblem, one of only two known to exist, a medallion presented to Alexander Baranov by Catherine the Great, a tri-corner hat and brocaded caftan from the 1840s, and material related to Russian exploration. Tools, weapons, religious icons, documents, and utensils form a comprehensive representation of life in Russian America.