Frequently Asked Questions

When did construction start?
Aug. 10, 2025

What company is construction the expansion?
Kraus-Anderson Construction, headquartered in Minneapolis, also has a Bismarck office. Their local projects include the University of Mary Lumen Vitae Center, Bismarck Surgical Associates Ambulatory Surgical Center, Bismarck Public Works, and Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health Building.

What materials will be used?
Building materials will match the existing building and the State Capitol. Indiana Limestone, terrazzo flooring, glass, and copper will be the main elements.

When will the expansion open?
We anticipate fall 2027.

What is the name of the architectural firm?
Zerr Berg Architects of Fargo, was founded in 2001. Lead architect Brian Berg served in the ND Army National Guard for 20 years and continues to support their missions and service.

How big is the expansion?
The 67,000-square-foot expansion includes:

• A 20,000-square-foot military gallery
• Expanded food service in a new cafe space
• A regimental and rental room with seating for 400
• Artifact storage

Will the building be LEED certified?
Our current building was built with sustainability in mind and meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Standards. The new design also incorporates sustainable practices and allows for future expansion.
statemuseum.nd.gov/about/facility/green

What is the budget for this project?
$78 million:

• $15 million from the state Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund
• $20 million line of credit from the Bank of North Dakota
• $4.2 million to repay a prior Bank of North Dakota line of credit
• $38-$40 million private fundraising campaign by the ND National Guard Foundation

Has all the money been raised?
State funds are secured. Private fundraising is ongoing.  

Visit ndngfoundation.org/donate/donationform for more information.

What is the ND National Guard’s role?
The ND National Guard Foundation is raising the private funds and handling the capital campaign.

The State Historical Society of North Dakota and the adjutant general entered a memorandum of agreement to establish policies on public displays, signage, and museum content for the Military Gallery. The regimental room of the Military Gallery will be named the North Dakota National Guard Regimental Room.  

What will be in the Military Gallery?
The Military Gallery will cover the region’s full military history, beginning with Native American military practices long before European contact. The gallery then follows military service through the territorial era and statehood into the modern age.  

Artifacts and exhibits will reflect the diverse military traditions that continue to shape the state.

What branches of the U.S. military will be covered?
Every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces will be represented: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and their respective reserves, and North Dakota Army National Guard and North Dakota Air National Guard.

Are military items currently on exhibit in the State Museum moving to the Military Gallery?
Some pieces currently on exhibit will move to the gallery. The public will also be able to view additional objects previously cared for in museum storage.

Will there be an admission fee for the Military Gallery?
No. Admission to the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum is always free, including this gallery.

Why were trees removed? Will any be transplanted?
Trees were cleared for the gallery expansion and outdoor amphitheater. Many removed trees are aging aspens and diseased American elms. Transplanting was not feasible due to size. Replacement will be at a ratio of three new trees for each removed, using disease-resistant species.

What tree species will be planted?

• Boulevard American Linden
• Common Hackberry
• Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree
• Northern Acclaim Honey Locust
• Red Sunset Maple
• American Hophornbeam (Ironwood)
• Dakota Pinnacle Asian White Birch
• Paper Birch
• River Birch  
• Snowcloud Allegheny Serviceberry

Were any removed trees part of the Centennial Grove or donations?
No. The Centennial Grove, dedicated in 1989, is north of the Governor’s Residence. None of its trees or other donations were affected.

What will happen to the cannonball concretions?
The concretions are part of the North Dakota Geological Survey paleontology collection and will not be in the new landscape plan

What are the plans for the French Gratitude Train?
The French Gratitude Train will have a new home west of the current location, adjacent to the All Veterans Memorial. The canopy will be reused.

What will happen to the bow plate of the USS North Dakota?
Its new location is yet to be determined.

What happened to the large boulder on the amphitheater terrace?
The boulder will be relocated within the new landscape.

Will there be more parking after the project is completed?
Parking will remain in its current configuration.

Where can I park during construction?
The ND Heritage Center parking lot, Capitol Mall, and Capitol visitor parking lot will remain open to the public during construction.

How does this affect the Capitol trail system?
The southeast trail segment is closed. The Capitol Mall and west arboretum trail remain open. 

Where can I find more information?

Please check this website for regular updates.