Politicians, philanthropists and an excited public are celebrating the opening of the Montana Heritage Center, a $107 million project showcasing the state’s history.

During a ceremony Tuesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte called it a “world class facility,” and its historical exhibits and art galleries would not be out of place at major museums in Chicago, San Francisco or New York.

“This accomplishment is remarkable and highlights the generosity and the love that Montanans have for Montana,” Gianforte said.

Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was the result of decades of work from many Montanans who wanted to help preserve the state’s history. A 70,000-square-foot addition was added to the building and an existing 90,000 square foot area was remodeled. 

The Homeland Gallery will likely become a destination for visitors to the state capitol, taking them through Montana’s rich history all the way back to the Ice Age. The space has exhibits from the state’s Indigenous peoples, with artifacts and deep explanations of nuanced history.

“If you think about it, 160 years ago, a number of pioneers met in Virginia City to talk about the process of starting to collect and preserve and honor the history of this area, and to be sure, it didn’t start with them, right?” Tim Fox, board president of the Montana Historical Society, said. “Our indigenous peoples were the first humans here, and our history goes back way beyond the discovery of gold, copper or silver.”

As visitors walk through that section, they’re treated to sounds that change as they move through the gallery. There’s interactive exhibits, things to watch and plenty to read. There’s also a smudge room, gardens, paths and gathering areas outside, as well as a cafe and event space.

The Charlie M. Russell Gallery also houses an extensive collection of work from the famed western artist. With low light, some incredible frames and even a sitting area, it is a home for many paintings that had been in storage.

There’s also another rotating gallery that will house additional exhibits. Only about 10% of the total collection is on display, museum officials said.

And in the Homeland Gallery, there’s even a covered wagon, a simulation of going down a Butte mineshaft and an exhibit on where the nuclear missiles in Montana are.

“One of the goals that we’ve had in this gallery is to make sure that there are lots of different stories and lots of different perspectives presented,” Amanda Streeter Trum, head of curatorial with the Montana Historical Society, said. “History is not just told from one group’s point of view. And so we’ve got lots of stories and lots of people represented here, as it should be.”

The final $60 million for constructing the facilities was privately funded. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Norm Asbjornson, and BNSF Railway together contributed more than $40 million, according to a release from the governor’s office.

Gianforte helped fundraise after taking office, he said at the ceremony. He was supportive of the project, but wanted cost overruns to be paid for by private donations.

“I called every major business in the state … telling them about our plans and asking them for support,” Gianforte said. “Many of you got those calls and are here today.”

Hundreds of people filled the main atrium of the building for the ceremony and then were able to wander the facility after.

Gianforte also announced about $3.5 million had been donated toward an endowment to support Montana students getting to experience the museum. The goal, Gianforte said, is that every student in the state gets a tour the year they study the state’s history. 

The target for the endowment is $10 million.

Some facilities and parts of the center are still under construction and a full grand opening is planned for next summer.

“I hope that we can be a space where we can talk about difficult things and present challenging topics in addition to the fun, joyous topics as well,” Streeter Trum said.

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement has recognized 14 student-athletes with the 2025 Montana Athletes in Service Award, including Montana Western’s Tori Murnion. The annual award highlights one student from each affiliate campus who demonstrates exceptional commitment to community service while competing in collegiate sports. Recipients, honored during halftime at the Brawl of the Wild on Nov. 22, include Murnion, a senior from Jordan who is active in student government, local rodeo events, and peer mentoring.

Full release:

The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) has recognized fourteen student-athletes with the Montana Athletes in Service Award (MAIS), including Montana Western’s Tori Murnion.

For over 30 years, the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement and its campus affiliates have supported students, faculty, and communities across Montana with programs that encourage and recognize community service. The CEO Council of the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement is proud to honor these athletes whose extensive volunteer efforts have greatly benefited their communities.

Each year, the MCNCE honors one student-athlete from each affiliate campus across the state who demonstrates exceptional dedication to serving their community while pursuing their college degrees or certificates and competing in collegiate sports. The 2025 MAIS award recipients are:

Tori Murnion – University of Montana Western – Rodeo

Kayle Addison – Little Big Horn College – Basketball

Cameron “Cam” Blevins – Miles Community College – Volleyball

Kennedy Venner – Carroll College – Softball

Tayla Undem – Dawson Community College – Softball

Walker Burshia – Fort Peck Community College – Basketball

Owen Smith – MSU–Northern – Basketball

Colton Seymour – Salish Kootenai College – Basketball

Justus Peterson – Montana Tech – Football, Track & Field, Rodeo

Blaine Shaw – Flathead Valley Community College – Logger Sports

Brooke Stayner – University of Montana – Track & Field

Nova Rosman – MSU Billings – Cheer & Stunt

Amelio Blackhorse – Chief Dull Knife College – Basketball, Rodeo

Taylee Chirrick – Montana State University – Basketball

The recipients were recognized during halftime of the 2025 Brawl of the Wild game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium on November 22.

Tori Murnion is a senior from Jordan, Montana, majoring in Business. Outside of rodeo, Tori is a senator in the Associated Students of Montana Western (ASUMW), an organizer for the Labor Day Rodeo in Dillon, and a peer mentor.

Tori exemplifies a strong commitment to service, both in and out of the arena. Her dedication to helping others—whether through supporting her community or mentoring —makes her an inspiring role model for her peers and the broader community.

MISSOULA, Mont. — UPDATE: Expressway lanes are back open after an accident.

The accident occurred around 6:45 p.m. today and obstructed traffic on Expressway from Majestic Drive to the Crestview Apartments Tuesday evening.

Missoula Police Department is asking the public to take an alternate route.

No additional information is available at this time.

NBC Montana will keep you updated.