The Museum of Utah officially opened its doors on the Capitol Complex on Saturday, June 27. The grand opening community celebration ran from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering the public an opportunity to explore brand-new immersive galleries and witness Utah's culture through various exhibits.
The event included a community ribbon cutting at 9 a.m., followed by the opening of museum galleries at 9:15 a.m. Attendees participated in a day filled with live music, food trucks, and activities intended for all ages.
Visitors were able to view The Alice Merrill Horne Collection, which consists of over 2,000 works including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The celebration also featured community partner booths located on the north plaza of the Capitol Complex.
To manage the anticipated turnout, museum staff noted that gallery access might be briefly limited if building capacity was reached. While free parking was available throughout the Capitol Complex, organizers recommended using public transportation or rideshare services. A free shuttle service operated every 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, picking up at the North Office Building parking lot at 125 N State St and dropping passengers off near the east entrance of the Utah State Capitol.
The event was held rain or shine. While outdoor areas were subject to summer heat, indoor spaces provided air conditioning, and the Utah State Capitol remained open for those seeking relief from the sun.
Food trucks provided local flavors throughout the day, with a covered outdoor seating area available for guests. The Museum Store also operated during the event hours to provide souvenirs to visitors.
