Good forArts & culture lovers
Founded in 1982 on 135 acres of Central Oregon pine forest, the High Desert Museum pulls together wildlife, Native American history, art, and natural history under one institutional roof — and keeps expanding. A $40 million addition, breaking ground in 2026 and set to open in winter 2027, will add 24,000 square feet of gallery and classroom space. The museum holds Smithsonian Affiliate status, received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2021, and draws live river otters, birds of prey, and desert tortoises alongside more than 18,500 artifacts.
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Editorial content compiled with AI assistance. Place details verified against public records.