BISMARCK, N.D. — Kraus-Anderson has officially begun construction on the $78 million Military Gallery at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, a transformative project that will expand the museum’s footprint and honor the sacrifices of North Dakota veterans.

The Military Gallery will serve as a permanent home for exhibits, artifacts, and oral histories, covering the experiences of service members from the state’s territorial days through modern conflicts. It will highlight personal stories alongside broader accounts of military campaigns, giving visitors a deeper understanding of both local and national history.

According to state officials, the gallery is designed not just as a static exhibit but as an interactive learning space. Plans include advanced digital displays, immersive storytelling features, and educational programming that will connect students and visitors to the realities of military service. The new wing will also provide expanded archival space, ensuring that documents, photographs, and memorabilia are preserved for future generations.

The $78 million investment underscores North Dakota’s commitment to cultural and historical preservation. Funding for the gallery includes a combination of state allocations, federal support, and private donations from veterans’ organizations and community partners. Leaders emphasized that the project reflects a statewide commitment to honoring military heritage while strengthening tourism and educational opportunities.

“North Dakota has a long and proud tradition of military service,” officials noted during the groundbreaking ceremony. “This gallery will ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are remembered and shared with generations to come.”

Construction is being led by Kraus-Anderson, a firm with decades of experience in cultural and institutional projects across the Midwest. Their role includes managing the large-scale expansion, overseeing the integration of specialized exhibit spaces, and ensuring the building meets the highest standards of accessibility and visitor engagement.

In addition to honoring veterans, the Military Gallery is expected to provide a significant boost to Bismarck’s cultural and tourism economy. Heritage Center leaders anticipate a marked increase in annual visitors once the gallery opens, which will benefit local businesses, schools, and the wider regional economy.

The new facility also ties into broader state efforts to expand educational resources. Teachers across North Dakota will be able to incorporate the gallery into their history and civics curricula, while researchers will gain access to new collections and primary sources.

The project is scheduled for phased development, with construction milestones to be announced over the coming months. When complete, the Military Gallery will stand as both a tribute to service and sacrifice and a center for learning and reflection, cementing its place as one of North Dakota’s most important cultural investments in decades.

Originally reported by Prairie Business Staff in Grand Forks Herald.