Wells Fargo Museum

Nestled in downtown Anchorage, this museum feels like a vibrant journey through time. It may hold artifacts dating back centuries, but its impressive collection and close ties to the local community breathe life into its halls. Despite its art-gallery-sized coziness, this museum boasts Alaska's largest private collection of its kind.

Originally established by the First National Bank of Alaska in 1976, the museum was a gift from the Rasmussen family, the bank's owners. They envisioned a space showcasing high-quality art and artifacts from Alaska's native tribes, including the Northwest Coast Indian, Athabascan, Aleut, Yupik, and Inupiaq peoples.

In 2000, Wells Fargo acquired the museum, bringing its own slice of history. The bank played a key role during the gold rush of the late 1800s and early 1900s, transporting gold from the Klondike, along with miners and supplies. Today, the museum's collection has grown to approximately 6,000 artifacts and artworks, plus 4,000 books, spread across branches statewide. The Anchorage flagship proudly displays 900 pieces, featuring traditional clothing, historic Alaskan business tokens, a Bering Sea kayak crafted from traditional seal skin, and paintings by renowned Alaskan artists like Sydney Laurence, Fred Machetanz, and Eustace Ziegler. An intriguing fact: The museum also hosts engaging workshops and events that celebrate Alaskan culture and history, making it a dynamic hub for learning and discovery. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a history buff, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Alaska's rich cultural heritage.