Early in the planning process, the partners mandated the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center would:

•  Tell the story of Alaska's land and its people;
•  Inspire visitors to explore the Interior, “stay one more day” or “come back     again;”
•  Foster employment and economic development opportunities throughout the     region; and
•  Honor the memory of Morris Thompson.

With that in mind, more than 100 residents of the Interior have participated in shaping the vision for the Center. What follows is the conceptual approach to the Center incorporating some of their ideas.

The Lobby

All renderings provided by André & Knowlton Associates

Rivers hold special significance for the people of Interior Alaska. For thousands of years, Athabascan leaders have gathered at a place called Nuchalawoyya “Where the two rivers meet” to discuss tribal matters. As visitors enter the exhibit gallery they will cross over a bridge. On one side there will be a clear stream, on the other side a silty stream, representing the different types of rivers in Alaska as well as the cultural significance of Nuchalawoyya.

One Voice Makes a Difference

Alaska is a huge state with a very small population so one person can have a big impact. In this area we will celebrate some of the Alaskans, including Morris Thompson, who have made a difference in shaping our state. Images of elders, miners, pipeline workers, business people, dog mushers, and youth will stand larger than life. Through their voices, the visitor will learn how Alaska Native people first used the land; how communities were formed; stories about the Gold Rush; statehood; and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

How We Make a Living

In the "How We Make a Living" area, exhibits will focus on how Alaskans use the land to make a living, from subsistence, to mining, to oil development.

Winter Gallery

Winter!  It's a great time to visit Interior Alaska. The Winter Gallery will highlight the season of dog mushing, cross-country skiing, ice carving, winter art, culture and dance festivals, soaking in a hot springs , and the spectacular northern lights!

Misconceptions about winter in Alaska abound and this exhibit deals with those myths head on. FACT: It's not always dark and Alaskans do not hibernate like bears! We want to demonstrate the full range of interesting indoor and outdoor activities in the winter to increase tourism in the winter months.

Celebrating Our Villages

The Interior isn't just about Fairbanks. There are 41 villages in the Interior, and the project partners want the rural Alaskan economy to benefit from tourism development. In “Celebrating our Villages” numerous television screens will highlight rural tourism operations; educating visitors to what life is like in the bush and enticing them to experience it firsthand.

Through our work with project architect Charles Bettisworth & Company, Inc. and exhibit design firm André & Knowlton Associates, we have a good idea of what some of the exhibits inside the building will look like. However, we won't know what the outside of the building will look like until the next phase in the architectural process. We do know that the facility will:

• Incorporate historical and traditional Alaskan architectural styles
• Provide parking for 136 vehicles, 12 recreational vehicles, and drop-off area for
   six tour buses
• Connect to downtown Fairbanks with generous pedestrian and bicycle walkways    bordered by indigenous flowers and trees
• Restore an historic cabin built in 1910 located on the property and incorporate it
   into the exhibits
• Be set back 140 feet from the river to ensure an adequate greenbelt along
   the river
• Reduce operating costs by using sustainable design standards
• Integrate natural wood finishes whenever possible
• Minimize impact on the natural environment
• Accommodate future growth and expansion

When the 35,000 square-foot Thompson Center opens in 2008, it will include: