Museum at Warm Springs delays reopening indefinitely; HVAC replacement taking longer than planned

WARM SPRINGS, Ore., (KTVZ) — The Museum at Warm Springs announced Monday that it has extended its public closure until further notice, as the installation of a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is taking longer than expected. 

The "30th Annual Warm Springs Tribal Member and Youth Exhibit," which was originally extended through March 6, has closed. 

"Due to the ongoing HVAC installation process, we made an administrative decision to close the exhibit and return the artworks to the artists," said Museum Executive Director Elizabeth Woody. "The museum holding their artworks for such an extended period beyond March 6 is too long for any artist. We are grateful to have the agreement for the first-time extension."

The museum's staff is working during the closure, so Warm Springs Tribal members who need ceremonial items from The Museum’s Gift Shop during the public closure will be able to purchase them as needed.

"I am very pleased to report that although the installation is not going as quickly as we originally hoped, it is going extremely well," said Woody. "We are looking forward to having a brand new system soon."

Major funders of the HVAC system include the U.S. Congress/National Park Service, The Roundhouse Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, Portland General Electric Foundation, Spirit Mountain Community Fund and Oregon Cultural Trust.

Become a Museum Member

There are several levels of annual Museum Membership, which begin at $25 for elders and students. All Members receive these benefits: free admission for one year, 10% discount in the Museum Gift Shop and special invitations to exhibits and programs. 2024 Members will have access to the 2024 Oregon Historical Society Reciprocal Membership Program and free admission to a different Oregon museum each month. Join by visiting https://museumatwarmsprings.org/ and click “Join” to see Membership levels and online payment information. Or send a check to: The Museum at Warm Springs, P.O. Box 909, Warm Springs, OR 97761 (Attn: Membership).

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About The Museum at Warm Springs

The Museum at Warm Springs opened its doors to the public on March 14, 1993. Built to Smithsonian Institution professional standards, The Museum’s mission is to preserve, advance and share the traditions, cultural and artistic heritage of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. Regular Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: Museum Members (free), Adults ($7), Senior Citizens over 60 ($6), Students 13-18 with student body card ($4.50), Children 5-12 ($3.50) and Children 4 and younger (free). The Museum is located at 2189 Highway 26 in Warm Springs. Phone: (541) 553-3331. For more information, visit https://www.museumatwarmsprings.org/.