We’re Almost There: Second Wave Expansion Nears Completion!

Published April 9, 2025

We’re thrilled to share an exciting update on the National Museum of the Great Lakes’ Second Wave Expansion—we’ve entered the final stages before our grand opening! After months of transformation and progress, our team is officially moved back into the museum and settling into our brand-new office spaces. Having everyone back under one roof means more collaboration, more creativity, and, most importantly, an even better experience for you, our visitors.

While we put the finishing touches on the rest of the interior, we’re especially excited to soon unveil the Great Lakes Community Education Center—a dynamic new space made possible by the generous support of The Andersons Foundation, Drs. Hollis & Mary Merrick III, and in honor of Donald R. “Russ” and Madeline B. Dahlburg.

We will officially open the expanded space to the public on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Then, you’ll be able to explore all the incredible new additions made possible through our Second Wave Expansion:

🌊 Larry & Karen Bettcher Wing

A beautiful new space that anchors our expansion and connects the new additions to our existing galleries.

📚 Great Lakes Community Education Center

A space dedicated to fostering education and community programming—thank you to our incredible supporting partners!

⚓ Alexander & Marilyn Cook Leadership Center

A hub, which includes our office space, dedicated to leadership, maritime engagement, and collaborative learning.

🖼️ World Group Foundation Gallery

Home to our newest permanent exhibits, including:

• Every Boat Tells Our Story, showcasing the remarkable Bob Sellers Model Collection

• St. Marys Challenger History Exhibit, made possible with the support of the Schoonmaker Foundation

🌳 William & Pamela Davis Family Community Plaza

An inviting outdoor area for gathering, relaxing, and engaging with museum events and activities.

🌅 Cleveland Cliffs Maritime Park

An expanded outdoor museum experience that lets you immerse yourself in Great Lakes history along the Maumee River.

🧭 First Temporary Exhibit: Presented by Buckeye Broadband & The Blade

We’re excited to present Dark Waters: True Crime and Mystery on the Great Lakes, as our first temporary exhibit. This exhibit explores the unsolved mysteries that still haunt our region.

Mark your calendars and get ready—Saturday, June 28 is the beginning of a whole new era at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. We can’t wait to welcome you into these incredible new spaces and share the next wave of Great Lakes stories with you.