Gallery 19 - June 27th, 2003
Hours Before Opening...

Click here for pictures from earlier in the afternoon!

We arrived back on site just in time to see the alligator enter its new home. It didn't seem to be in a good mood. But wow, the sight of it swimming up to within a few inches of your face and being able to see it above water and below at the same time was an amazing experience. Everyone cheered as it entered the water, than after a short pause, Museum Director Jerry Enzler exclaimed, "Back to work everyone." It was just a couple short hours from the evening's event. Nonessential personnel were sent home and clean up was completed. In came the evening's catering arrangements. Many years of hard work are coming to fruition tonight. You can sense the anticipation in each of the museum staff you speak to. This has been the every waking moment of their lives for a very long time now and it's finally come together.

Below are some more shots featuring many of the upstairs exhibits including the visiting exhibit gallery, currently featuring river art from both local private collections like that of Wany Norman and the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. The Museum also has many interactive digital exhibits like one pictured below where you can drive a barge simulator down the Mississippi. At the bottom of the page are shots inside the new theater featuring an incredible new movie and effects show. Even the seats shake. Though there are plenty of loose ends to tie up, the Museum is ready for business. Let the future of tourism in Dubuque begin!

Time to get dressed for the Ball!

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Gallery 2
Gallery 3
Gallery 4
Gallery 5
Gallery 6
Gallery 7
Gallery 8
Gallery 9
Gallery 10
Gallery 11
Gallery 12
Gallery 13
Gallery 14
Gallery 15
Gallery 16
Gallery 17
Gallery 18
Gallery 19
Gallery 20
 
Museum Grand Opening Celebration
 

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