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The Museum of Utah is our newest museum. It features 4 permanent galleries detailing some of Utah’s history and culture and one temporary gallery. It has been being built on the north side of the Utah State Capitol for the last couple of years and finally opened today. As I understand it, they have been storing all of this stuff for a while, and now finally have a place to display it.
For the grand opening event today they had music, food trucks, and a bunch of guest museums showing what they offer as well. It was a free event today. Actually, from what I can tell it is always free? I can’t find any information about cost on the website.
Quick Details:
Length: As much as you decide to explore.
Trail Type: meander.
Difficulty: Brand new modern building DR2
Elevation Gain: 1 floor (optional)
Restroom: Yes
Dogs? No.
Other Info:
To Get Here:
Head to State Street in downtown Salt Lake City, follow it north to the capitol. Go right and around the East Capitol Boulevard, turn left into the 2nd driveway which is just north of the Capitol.
Downtown Salt Lake City (Passenger Seat Photography (PSP)).
Downtown, with out tallest building, the Astra Tower (PSP).
Heading up Capitol Hill (PSP).
I can’t believe I didn’t take a picture of The Capitol on the way up today (PSP).
The east side of the museum as we head in.
Ensign Peak above.
The Adventure:
Museum sign.
The stage where they were playing music.
2026 on the corner stone. What would they have done if there was a significant delay?
It is a nice compliment to The Capitol.
Inside.
I somehow missed that big ass “Enter Here” sign and tried to go to the left and found that was the exit of that gallery. But yes, after doing it the weird way we did, I definitely recommend immediately heading right.
We tried to go in the Becoming Utah gallery, but were informed this is the exit. Oops. Okay, we will try the other side.
The lobby again.
This is the one thing I knew about, and was looking forward to see. Rooted in Utah
It is absolutely stunning!
“This stained glass laylight is a powerful reminder that Utah’s strength lies in our shared roots and our commitment to building a brighter future together. With pieces of every corner of the state, it reflects not just our natural beauty and history, but the unity and pride that make Utah exceptional”
- (The spineless piece of shit) Governor Spencer Cox
“About the Laylight
- Titled, Rooted in Utah
- 25 by 25 feet
- 89 glass panels
- 14,000 individual glass pieces
- 40 team members
- 10,000 hours of labor
- Designed by Holdman Studios, Lehi, Utah
- Lead Artists Dallin Orr, James Graham, and Tom Holdman”
“Telescope Glass
The oculus at the center of the laylight is made of glass crystals repurposed from retired telescope lenses.
These lens fragments have been specially cut to catch and enhance the sunlight, projecting a rainbow prism across the room as the day progresses”
“Quaking Aspen Pando
This artwork features a variety os Utah’s natural elements, such as the bright yellow leaves of Pando in the fall.
Located in Utah’s Fishlake National Forest, Pando is the largest and most dense living organism on Earth. It appears to be a forest of individual aspens, but each tree is genetically identical and connected by the same massive root system. Pando has been expanding for hundreds of years as new trees emerge from this shared root structure.”
“Elk
The official state animal of Utah is the Rocky Mountain Elk, featured here. They live in the mountains of Utah and are most active around dusk and dawn. Elk are quite large, ranging from 500 to 700 pounds on average.”
“Can you find these Plants, Animals, and Landmarks?
- Sego Lily
- Honey Bee
- California Seagull
- Sagebrush
- Indian Paintbrush Flower
- Red Rock Hoodoos
- Blue Spruce
- Utah Raptor
- Bonneville Cutthroat Trout
- Prickly Pear Cactus”
“Bristlecone Pine
The glass panels forming the Bristlecone Pine represents the entirety of Utah. Elements from each of Utah’s 29 counties were fused into the glass, thoughtfully embedding the state’s diverse landscape into the image
Bristlecone Pines are individual trees that live on dry, rocky ridges, with the oldest living tree located in California estimated to be over 4,800 years old. Bristlecone Pines are also found in Utah at Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument--the latter having Utah’s oldest Bristlecone tree at nearly 1,700 years old.”
“Courtesy of Capitol Preservation Board”
Ooph, that was a lot of information!
We made our way over to the Connecting Utah gallery at the southeast corner. I imagine this is just a today thing, but each gallery gave us the princess entrance experience having a volunteer on either side opening both doors LOL. Fun.
Old dress.
Connecting Utah.
They did a pretty good job using the little ribbon divider thingies to heard the crowd in a counterclockwise fashion.
Dance like a Utahn. There was a little interactive thing behind the panel.
Some artifacts.
Historic Heber Social Hall. I think I found it downtown, and have added it to my list of random things to find. I am not sure what it has to do with Heber? Maybe this random poster was just found there too?
Neat old organ.
Art.
We are Utah.
Some Catholic stuff. I was a little surprised to see other religions being shown. As expected, there is predominately LD$ stuff, but again, nice to see some of the other faiths presented. They are all cults, but I am glad the big cult didn’t silence the other ones.
More artifacts.
This sign admits the LD$ did drink wine in it’s early days. So they can stop acting like they are better than those who still do.
More artifacts.
More.
Old Beer Bottles.
“Beer Bottles
Mormon pioneers brought European brewing traditions with them to Utah, often brewing beer at home. A German immigrant opened Utah’s first commercial brewery in 1864. Others soon followed, such as Becker Brewing and Malting Company and Fisher Brewing Co. While the LDS Church eventually enforced their health code, which discouraged members from drinking alcohol, it did not prohibit making or selling it. Today dozens of breweries operate across the state.”
More evidence the hypocrites imbibed. I wouldn't have such negative feelings towards them if it were not for their want to force their beliefs on the rest of us.
More artifacts.
Nature sustains.
Art.
I expected it to be a little busy for the grand opening, but wow it was a bit more crowded than I would have liked. I am struggling a little bit.
Architecture bits.
Right Side Upper:
“Letter
Peery’s Egyptian Theater in Ogden is a 1920’s movie palace inspired by Grauman’s Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. After it closed in 1984 locals campaigned for its restoration. Now it is a venue for local performing groups.”
Right Side, lower
“Column Capital and Cornices
Architectural flourishes require highly skilled labor. They most often appear in public buildings or elite residences. Completed in 1902, the Kearns Mansion belonged to Thomas Kearns, a silver mining magnate and U.S. senator. He hired craftsmen from around the world to build and furnish his home. An architectural masterpiece, it is now the home of Utah’s governors.”
Left Side, lower.
“Finial, Drawings, and Business card
Utah’s early state government worked out of borrowed buildings for many years. In 1909 a commission formed to oversee the design and construction of a capitol building. It held a competition for the design in 1911. Utah architect Richard Kletting won, with a design reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.”
Fun fact, Leslie S. Hodgson who designed Peery’s Theater, studied under Richard K.A. Kletting who designed a lot of buildings in Salt Lake City.
Great Salt Lake Base Meridian. This was on my list of things to see downtown…. I hope it wasn’t removed? Maybe they replaced it? Bah… I guess I will eventually see.
“Base Meridian and Dedication Ticket
Salt Lake Temple sits at the heart of Salt Lake City. It is the location of the city’s base meridian, a marker surveyors used as a reference point while plotting the rest of the city. Construction of the temple began almost immediately and took more than 40 years to complete. The temple opened with a dedication ceremony in 1893.”
“Surveying Equipment, Map and Legislation
Within days of arriving in Salt Lake Valley, the Mormon pioneers began drawing up plans for Salt Lake City. Brigham Young established Temple Square as the center of the city. From there surveyors used tools like these to lay out the rest of the cities 135 ten-acre blocks in a grid.”
Ghost Towns.
Thistle We’ve been there.
“Thistle started as an important railroad junction in 1890. But as the economy changed, the need for a large depot in that area declined. Only 50 residents remained in 1983 when a massive landslide destroyed the town, finally forcing them to leave.”
Frisco. This has been on my list for a while, but we haven't made it there yet.
“In 1875, the Horn Silver Mine opened, becoming the largest ore producer in the San Francisco Mountains. Frisco, a mining camp, grew around it. Frisco’s population fluctuated with mining activity. The camp declined in the 1930s, and it’s charcoal kilns are now a historic site.”
Park Valley. I actually haven’t heard of this one.
“In 1914, a group of Russian exiles in California wanted to distance themselves from American culture. Deceived by false advertising, they purchased land in Park Valley. Developers had promised a farming paradise, but they found a harsh infertile landscape. After a series of tragic deaths, they returned to California in 1920.”
I don’t know why I didn’t take pictures of the other ones. Grafton, and Hite. I haven’t heard of Hite either.
Murray, Utah.
A dress.
“Connecting Utah
Utah is full of stories that connect people to one another. When you look closely at Utah’s population you will find hundreds of distinctive communities that enrich Utah’s cultures. From rural towns to the urban corridor, people form communities with each other. Some celebrate their heritage, spirituality, and ethnicities. Others gather around the arts, sports, and recreation. Learn how commonalities create social bonds. Explore how Utah’s communities come together around shared interests, experiences, values, and affiliations. Discover the challenges Utah’s communities have faces and how the adapt to change.
How do you connect with your communities?”
Becoming Utah Gallery
The landscape.
Voting.
First Utah State Flag.
“First Utah State Flag
The Utah State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution made this flag for Gov. Heber Wells ahead of the 1903 St. Louis World’s Fair. The word “Utah” was added sometime afterward. The legislature designated this as the first state flag on March 9, 1911.”
State of Deseret, Utah Territory.
Another dress.
Storycloth.
Handcart.
“Handcart
William Neville and Rachel Jennings Stiff left England in 1867. They took a train from New York to Wyoming, then pulled this handcart 500 miles to Centerville. They arrived in Utah in 1868, one year before the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion.”
Water is Life.
The Great Salt Lake Watershed..
Pioneer Centennial Banner.
The fancy staircase. We will come back to this.
First, the Inspiring Utah Gallery.
Inside.
Stuff from the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics.
Deer Creek Reservoir.
The Mormon Meteor III.
Information sign.
The cockpit. That seems super tight and uncomfortable.
Tail.
The engine. That’s gnarly!
The front.
Black Rock. When there was actually water around it.
Onto Building Utah.
Various Golden Spike ceremonies.
Lasting Legacies. With a replica golden spike. The original golden spike is at the Stanford Museum.
Railroad worker.
1869 First Transcontinental Railroad.
It’s path across Utah.
Mining bike.
Info.
Mallet Locomotive Bell.
A beet digger knife and children working in a Sugar Beet Field.
Farr Better Parfait 55¢ and 65¢.. We just saw their original location in Ogden last week.
Information.
Fisher Beer.
We are Utah.
Working in the Elements.
Agricultural items.
More.
An absolutely ancient laptop.
Old sewing machine.
Mine replica.
Back to the lobby, under the stairs. You can also see the gift shop on the right.
Up on the 2nd floor. There is a little lounge area.
45 Star Flag circa 1896. I didn’t know Utah was the 45th State. I probably should have though haha. I probably learned it in school and just didn't retain it.
Information.
Neat clock.
Nice view of The Capitol from here.
Mural.
Down to the first floor.
While here we wandered over to the bathrooms. I love that they have completely hands free doors.
The Laylight again.
Art on the 3rd floor. The 3rd and 4th floors are offices so they cannot be accessed by the general public.
The mural again.
The stairs down.
The Laylight again.
Again.
Digital crop.
The 3rd and 4th floors.
The gift shop.
The building directory. Okay, I can see where the temporary Gallery would be, over by the Inspiring Utah gallery. I don’t think it was open today. Or if it was we completely missed it.
We decided to head out back or the south side to see The Capitol. I imagine if you are coming from The Capitol, that side might feel like the front. It’s all perspective. Like when I see a lake, the side I approach first is always the front.
The Utah State Capitol and Capitol Park. It’s been a minute since we have been back here.
Pretty fountain.
The Capitol.
The fountain and the East Senate Building.
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Panoramic.
The West House Building.
Mariner Stoddard Eccles.
Information. Son of the OG Eccles, David Eccles and the one that continued the empire.
The Eccles family has done a lot of good things for art and education and other things in the state, which is why you might notice their name fairly often. It is nice to see at least one rich family give back to the community.
Martha Hughes Cannon. First woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
More info.
The East Senate Building again.
Brigadier General Thomas L. Kane.
The Capitol with the fountain.
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Panoramic.
The fountain.
Again.
The last of the 4 statues, Daniel Cowen Jackling.
Info.
More.
The Capitol again.
Back through the Museum to get to the front.
We learned that the buildings ADA access doors are hands free too! Like the restrooms, you just waive your hand in front of the sensor and they open, not a physical button to push. I hope this becomes the new normal! I would love to not have to touch a public door handle ever again.
The plaza out front. I thought these were vendors, but I guess they are actually booths for other Utah museums. They gave us a little card to collect stamps, and if we got enough we would win a little pin. Well, okay, what the heck?
Me with a silhouette of Old Ephraim. A giant grizzly bear that terrorized the Bear Lake area. It seems smaller than the statue we saw out there.
The booths.
Actual gold medals won by an actual Olympic champion. She was there, but I didn’t catch her name or sport… I am not really a sportsball person so… yeah.
The Kanab booth had a fun little photo booth that we could get dressed up as old cowboys for it. We opted to go with the hats and call it good LOL.
The Natural History Museum of Utah brought some fun fossils and bugs.
Odd little building to the north.
Heading up to the 2nd level.
View of the museum and plaza.
Aside from the view, there are drinking fountains as well. Otherwise, I have no idea what this building is. I guess it is just a viewpoint.
It has all of the county names carved into it.
The stage and food trucks.
The museum again.
Playing with google maps, here is the old building from 2021. Yeah, it kind of sticks out against the other fancy buildings. I can see why they tore it down and rebuilt it. It was called the State Office Building and it was built in 1961.
Well, while we are here, lets play with google earth!
2022 before they messed with things.
2023. Old State Office Building removed.
2024. New building coming in, the Capitol Park has been razed. I wonder why? Wow. Also take note of where State Street connects to the south.
2025. Almost done, old intersection to the south replaced with a roundabout.
I thought the old building looked a little newer I did a little digging....
1993 is the oldest image I can get on google earth. The old north building was called the State Office Building and it was OLDER than the House and Senate buildings! I also wonder what that structure was in the middle where Capitol Park is now.
Jumping ahead to 2003 when the new House and Senate buildings came in.
Then to 2005 the Capitol Park is coming in, and the stuff on the south east section are being built. And look, still no promenade!
2006, still being worked. It looks like that fountain came in around this time. I did learn they did an extensive remodel from 2004 - 2008, but I had no idea it was this massive.
I just learned that the restoration fullfilled much of the original Capitol Architect, Richard K.A. Kletting's original full vision for the Capitol Complex. The Capitol was completed in 1916, but they ran out of money before completing Kletting's full vision.
Kletting was a prominent local architect at the time. You can see a lot of his buildings downtown.
2009, the Philo T Farnsworth Promenade (originally called the Memorial Pathway) has come in, and it looks pretty much like it did before the museum project.
Wow, that was a weird crazy rabbit hole I went down there. Back to the Museum.
More county names.
I forget what museum this was, but it had some fun fossils and 3D printed stuff.
Our prize was this cute little pin. Fun.
We got this fun list of museums to explore. I checked off the ones we have been to off the top of my head, but I know we have been to more. Wow, just barely scratching the surface. Some of them have been on my list for a minute, some I have never heard of. By the way, if you visit 5 in the month of July, you can claim a sticker!
The museum again.
I wondered what the heck this was? Landis suggested maybe access to an underground garage? That seems to make sense.
After dropping off the ample amount of swag we had acquired, we went back in to check out the food trucks. We had another event we were going to that should also have food so we did not get dinner. However, we found the Udder Rivals food truck, and since we were just talking about Aggie ice cream the other day, even going so far as after learning they ship it considering ordering some (until we saw the price, Yikes!) I figured we HAD to get some! They had a huckleberry flavor today! My favorite! Tillamook used to have it as a flavor but they discontinued it, much to my dismay. I think that maybe the Aggies beat Tillamook. So... imma follow this food truck but I might just have to move to Logan.
Heading down Capitol Hill (PSP).
The scaffolding around the temple has come down (PSP). The open house is next spring so.. any random things I want to see downtown needs to happen soon.
Well, that was neat, but it was smaller than expected. I knew it would be busy with the grand opening but wow, that was super, super busy and it made it a bit less enjoyable. We decided we should come back sometime and see if we can catch a quieter day some time. But, I did like interacting with and learning about other Utah museums, and now I have a whole list to check off! Some that have been on my radar, and some I have never even heard of. So that was fun! As expected, it was a little LD$ heavy which I find to be a little off-putting though. 7 out of 10 squirrels.
As for difficulty, it is a brand new ADA accessible building. DR2
Dogs are now allowed, so be sure to leave Fido home.
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