Brigham Young University announced plans to temporarily close the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum on July 1, 2012 to undergo its first major renovation since the building's original construction.
The renovations will add 30,000 square feet across three levels to the east wing of the building,
'The renovations will be a welcome addition to the building,' said museum director Larry St. Clair.
Some of the planned features the renovation will include are a new store, an orientation theater, classrooms, offices and a new main entrance. Also featured in the renovations will be the President Boyd K. Packer Gallery, which will exhibit his collection of woodcarvings, paintings and illustrations.
'An important feature will a gallery honoring the work of President Packer,' St. Clair said, who has a display of President Packer's work in his office. 'President Packer has done many displays, and the gallery will be a special way to feature the work he has done.'
The expansion project will also provide new space for education, exhibit design and planning, as well as additional secure space for the museum’s research collections.
The museum will remained closed to the public while construction takes place for around a year, with an estimated reopening scheduled for fall 2013.
'The work that is done by the employees currently in the museum will continue,' St. Clair said. 'The hope is that the renovations will improve the working area, and the staff will be more consolidated, efficient and effective than they currently are.'
The museum has been saving funds for the last six to eight years, St. Clair explained, with the permission to begin expanding being granted a year prior to the announcement.
The plans to renovate the museum are the latest upgrades to the north campus area, with the New Heritage buildings under construction, the new BYU Broadcasting Center and the Marriott Center getting new seating.