CU Around: Heritage Center

Heritage Center Upgrades

When the University of Colorado opened in 1876, it consisted of one building. Old Main, as it came to be called, held classrooms, the library and apartments for President Joseph A. Sewall, his family and the janitor.

The university has changed a lot in 139 years, and so has Old Main. In addition to a major renovation in 1982, alumni volunteers established the third-floor Heritage Center museum in 1985. It preserves and celebrates CU history and traditions.

Now the museum itself is getting a fresh look. Renovations began over the summer, and a large collections room has been finished. A new reception area and student lounge
will follow early next year.

“We want the community to have a more in-depth experience,” says Allyson Smith, director of the Heritage Center. “Now we can offer family-friendly
exhibits, exclusive archive research access and hi-tech opportunities throughout the museum.”

The Heritage Center’s most popular and extensive display to date, a detailed LEGO® replica of campus, opened in December 2014. Since then, museum attendance has nearly doubled — to 23,313 visitors over a six-month period.

Maybe you’ll be the next one in the door.

Find out more about the Heritage Center at cuheritage.org.