The day has finally come. We say that a lot around here. But this time, it means that the museum is really being installed. The pieces have arrived from the East Coast, along with the crew to assemble it. And up it goes. Here are a few photos of the first stages of installation.
A few more photos of the crevasse for you to enjoy. The process continues...
Frank Ayala and the others from Monolithic Sculpture, Inc. have really outdone themselves this time. The crevasse they were hired to make has been a much anticipated part of the construction of the museum, and it is finally under way. Not only that, it is a work of art, and a time consuming one at that. The same construction method was used for the crevasse as was earlier employed for the creation of the faux rock formations. This time, however, it was the shape and space that the styrofoam and concrete structure had to fit into that made it such a compelling piece to watch take form.
Here are some of the more intriguing photos from the process. Soon, we'll be able to show you the final piece. Then comes the installation of exhibits, as Quatrefoil has already begun to pack up the prefabricated pieces in its workshops in Maryland and drive them to Golden. The transformation from construction zone to museum hall will be fast, and amazing.
The Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum has announced that it will open its doors to the public for its Grand Opening on February 16, 2008. Before then, however, the museum will open its new gift store, Base Camp, on November 23, 2007. The store, located within the American Mountaineering Center, will feature exciting items from the museum and the world of mountaineering that can be found few other places in the country. Featuring official products from the partnering organizations of The Colorado Mountain Club, American Alpine Club, and National Geographic Society, including:
If there's any indication that the museum is getting closer to opening, it just may be the completion of the grand staircase. When the museum opens, it will take visitors from the mezzanine to the level of the museum. Sweeping down to the center of the exhibit, visitors will then be able to choose what to see and experience first. The ornamentation of the staircase mimics that of the existing staircases throughout the American Mountaineering Center.
The images below take you through the transformation -- from piles of steel to finished staircase.
Before the staircase was pieced together, it had to be worked into the museum space on a boom, guided by hand.
What: "Spirit of Adventure"
Where: Univ. of Denver's Newman Center for the Performing Arts
When: 7:45, Friday, October 5, 2007
Acclaimed photographer Mike David will host his "Spirit of Adventure" event on Friday, October 5, 2007, as a benefit for the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum. The museum is a joint venture of the Colorado Mountain Club, American Alpine Club, and National Geographic Society.
The event will begin its 11th season on Friday evening at 7:45 pm. The night will also be used to announce the date when the museum will open to the public, as well as the dates of special grand opening events.
During this spectacular large screen presentation you will see 450 of David's award winning images from around the world. The images from each country are accompanied live on stage by the best world musicians who perform the music and song of the cultures.
Ticket prices are $48 for the orchestra section at the Newman Center, and can be purchased at www.cmc.org.
To purchase tickets in other sections of the Newman Center, please contact Mike David Photography at (303)618-0646 or mdavidone@comcast.net.
Quatrefoil, the designer of our museum, has delivered the final graphic plans to us at the BWAMM, and it's now our turn to review them for approval. They patiently await our comments, and our signatures.
Thanks to Donald Tallman and our friends at the Colorado Railroad Museum we were able to focus for our initial review amongst the rich woodwork of the "96 Car." The rail car was formerly a turn-of-the-century businessman's car, complete with dining room (seen here), kitchen, meeting rooms, and bedrooms.
Museum Director Niña Johnson and Development Coordinator Kathy Dremann are seen here working hard. Note the large bag of chocolate.
The review continues...
