Our Family of Museums:

Construction

Construction and renovation

Construction Timeline

Morrill Hall began a deferred maintenance and renovation project in May 2023. The project will address energy conservation, improved ADA access, installation of a new HVAC system, refurbishment of a classroom, and updates to museum lighting systems and flooring.

Morrill Hall Closure FAQs

What is changing in Morrill Hall during the closure? The renovation work will make Morrill Hall more accessible and welcoming, providing greater access to facilities and exhibits. In addition, new HVAC and lighting systems will be installed, as well as the creation of a new classroom space to expand our educational opportunities. We will also be taking this opportunity to update and refresh some of our exhibits.
Which exhibits will be impacted by the work? The African animals exhibit on the first floor has been removed and will be replaced by a new exhibit (details coming soon). Some additional upgrades are planned for select exhibit spaces on first and second floors.
Are the Dolan murals going to be impacted by construction? No, the Dolan murals will remain visible to museum guests, even after renovations are complete. A conservation committee is working with the museum to provide guidance on preservation of the murals. Also, a new exhibit Elizabeth H. Dolan: Rediscovering a Nebraska Artist is planned to celebrate the murals and Elizabeth Dolan’s work. The exhibit will likely open in late February or early March.
What will happen to the Marx Discover Center? The Marx Discover Center will move from its temporary location on second floor back to its original location on the museum’s first floor and will be available to visitors when the museum opens again in January.
Can I book a Virtual Learning Program or Museum Science Kit? Yes, our education team will still be offering virtual learning programs and rentable science kits for classrooms and groups. Details on reserving a program or kit can be found online: https://museum.unl.edu/education/virtual-off-site-learning.html
Are Ashfall Fossil Beds or Trailside Museum impacted by this closure? Ashfall Fossil Beds and Trailside Museum will not be impacted by this closure. For more information on their hours of operation visit their websites at ashfall.unl.edu or trailside.unl.edu.
My classes are scheduled to be held in the Morrill Hall auditorium (MORR 141). Will they be impacted? The Morrill Hall auditorium (MORR 141) will not be impacted by the closure of the Morrill Hall museum. Students should access the auditorium via the south side of the museum as usual.
Are all of the renovations complete? No, renovations will continue through much of 2024. First, second, and fourth floors will be open to the public; however, renovations on third floor will continue through the spring. HVAC renovations will continue through the Fall of 2024.
When will third floor open? We are aiming to reopen third floor in early summer, 2024.
I still have questions. Who should I contact? Additional questions not addressed by this FAQ can be sent to morrillhall@unl.edu.
  • A panoramic view showing the removal of an old exhibit on the first floor hallway. The Dolan murals on the walls behind the original exhibit will remain in place behind the new exhibit.

    A panoramic view showing the removal of an old exhibit on the first floor hallway. The Dolan murals on the walls behind the original exhibit will remain in place behind the new exhibit.

  • A panoramic view showing carpet removal as well as removal of old lighting and prep work for installation of new lighting.

    A panoramic view showing carpet removal as well as removal of old lighting and prep work for installation of new lighting.

Follow along here as we begin our journey through the deferred maintenance and renovation process. Archie will share updates as work progresses. 

  • Fencing and staging areas for construction dumpsters and materials in place on Morrill Hall's east side.

  • The Marx Discovery Center is temporarily set up in the 2nd floor Rhino Gallery, complete with a portable dig pit.

  • Carpeting and display cases have been removed from part of the first floor hallway.

    Carpeting and display cases have been removed from part of the first floor hallway.