Bergstrom-Mahler Museum unveils $800,000 upgrades, new exhibits and accessible galleries

It’s the first major renovations the museum has had in 35 years.

Some of the renovations include: new lighting, a higher ceiling in the Miron Construction Gallery, new drywall and making every space more accessible for the community.

The museum’s paperweight galleries were also renovated by lowering the displays to better accommodate to people with disabilities and children. Previously, displays went as high as the ceiling.

The $800,000 project began in its infancy about three to four years ago. Executive Director Amy Moorefield said the changes were needed to reinvigorate excitement in the community for the museum.

“It feels really good to have spaces reflect the quality of our collection. I mean, we have the largest paperweight collection in the world on public view, we have a significant contemporary glass collection, Germanic glass, Victorian glass,” Moorefield said.

Saturday’s event also featured art activities, food trucks and new exhibits throughout the museum’s eight galleries.

Admission is free to visit the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass.