As the Museums of Western Colorado approach our 60th anniversary in 2026, we find ourselves at an important moment, one that invites reflection, thoughtful planning and open conversation about the future of our museums and the role they play in our community.

For many years, museum professionals and civic leaders have encouraged us to examine how our sites can best serve Western Colorado for the long term. Previous assessments by the American Alliance of Museums, the nation’s leading authority on museum standards, recommended that we explore consolidation as one of several strategies to improve sustainability, strengthen visitor experience and reduce long-term operational strain.

Mesa County Commissioners have echoed similar recommendations in past discussions, encouraging us to evaluate how our physical footprint aligns with community needs, tourism trends and fiscal responsibility.

These recommendations were not mandates, and they were not conclusions. They were invitations to ask important questions, questions we are now addressing through a formal feasibility and strategic planning process. No decisions have been made.

As museums across the country face rising maintenance costs, aging infrastructure and shifting visitor expectations, we have a responsibility to ensure that the Museums of Western Colorado remain stable, relevant and impactful for decades to come. That means carefully studying options, engaging with city and county partners, and – most importantly – listening to the people we serve.

Over the coming months, we will be exploring multiple possibilities, including updated exhibits on a consolidated campus in downtown Grand Junction, Fruita or our Cross Orchards Historic Site. Each option brings different opportunities and challenges, and each will be evaluated through feasibility studies, financial modeling and discussions with local officials. Again, no site has been selected, and no direction has been finalized.

What has been decided is our commitment to transparency and community engagement.

On Monday, Jan. 13, 2026, we will host our annual State of the Museum Address at the Museum of the West, followed by a community roundtable discussion. This event will mark the official kickoff of our 60th anniversary year and provide an opportunity to share where we are, how we got here and what questions we are exploring as we look ahead.

The roundtable portion of the morning is especially important to me. This is where we will listen – to learn what stories our community wants to see told, what experiences matter most and how our museums can continue to reflect the people, history, science and spirit of Western Colorado.

Revitalization is not just about buildings; it’s about relevance, access and impact.

The work ahead is thoughtful by design. We are conducting feasibility studies, collaborating with city and county leaders and evaluating long-term funding strategies that could include future public-support measures. It’s important to our values that we proceed with responsible cultural stewardship – carefully, collaboratively and with an eye toward sustainability.

Our 60th anniversary is not simply a celebration of where we’ve been. It’s a commitment to where we’re going.

I invite our community to be part of that journey, to ask questions, share ideas and help shape the future of the Museums of Western Colorado. Together, we can honor our past while building a museum system that inspires discovery, strengthens education and serves Western Colorado for generations to come.

Shenna Hayden is the executive director of Museums of Western Colorado