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The Alaska State Museum has been the official repository of Alaska's history since 1900. It is home to more than 23,000 artifacts, works of fine art and natural history and features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The Museum dedicates more than half of its exhibition space to permanent displays ranging from a life-sized eagle nesting tree located in a Southeast Alaska rainforest setting to a scaled-down replica of the stern of Capt. George Vancouver's ship, "Discovery," dry-docked in the Museum's children's room. Among its most popular exhibits are clothing, weapons, tools and ceremonial objects from the distinct Alaska Native populations as well as icons and other memorabilia from Russian American days. Volunteers offer tours of the Museum during the summer and by special arrangement during the rest of the year. A Museum Store, operated by the Friends of the Alaska State Museum, offers a variety of Alaska Native handcrafted items, art and jewelry, as well as Alaska books, post cards and gifts for children. The Museum is located downtown Juneau within walking distance of the cruise ship terminal at 395 Whittier St. Summer hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week. Fall, winter and spring hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. General admission is $5 during the summer season, with annual passes that allow unlimited visits available for $15. For more information on the museum and it's current exhibitions visit the Alaska State Museum web site at www.museums.state.ak.us.
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