The Community Library has brought the Wood River Museum of History and Culture to Sun Valley!
The summer of 2023 brought a timely opening to Ketchum, Idaho. A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Central Idaho opened in a new building at the center of town! With rich collections, compelling stories and deep connections to the region, the museum has already enchanted Valley residents and tourists alike.
Photos by Gibeon Photography (2023 all rights reserved)
WOOD RIVER MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND CULTURE
KETCHUM, ID
The Community Library, in Ketchum, ID is a trusted and much-appreciated institution. Besides operating an inviting and well-loved public library space, the organization stewards several significant spaces, and collections of artifacts, books, papers, letters and photos, including an extensive Hemingway collection that is based on the famous author’s longstanding connection to Sun Valley. Providing a beautiful and modern gallery space where these objects can be displayed, discussed and appreciated was an important goal for Library leadership.
The board and staff rallied to develop a unique approach. In collaboration with the FRAME team, they imagined a space that would feature the best of the collection, with frequent updates and dynamic changing galleries. Instead of creating a “regional history museum” or “visitor center” for the region, the team built a series of storytelling spaces - galleries that highlight aspects of valley life that are informative, interesting, and sometimes even funny.
The museum opened with three exhibits, each featuring jewel-box artifact displays, dramatic photo murals, and compelling exhibits of sleds, skis, clothing and original documents. In How in the World did you get to Sun Valley? the diverse faces and stories of valley residents are featured, alongside meaningful objects. Portrait of a Mountain honors the ever-present Bald Mountain and its impact on the cultural history of the valley. And A Writer in New Country tells the story of Ernest Hemingway’s arrival in, and affection for, the landscape and people of central Idaho.
Location: Ketchum, Idaho
Client: The Community Library Association
Size: 3,500 SF Exhibit Galleries
Exhibit Design and Architectural Consulting: Alissa Rupp, FRAME, with CraigSundine Design, Doug Munday Design, Sherry Smith, Karoo Design Visualization, Kate Rosendale
Exhibit Fabrication: 3DS, Vancouver, British Columbia
Completion Date: Opened July 8, 2023
Alissa’s role: Project Leadership and Design