Maritime Heritage Center
The proposed Maritime Heritage Center, that would replace the existing Museum visitor center, is an exciting prospect for the growth of the Museum which has been constrained by its space-limited facility. The increased physical size and visitor capacities provided by the project will allow the Museum to become financially secure/independent by operating year-round, making events an economic flywheel and extending mission/service reach beyond South Haven to Southwest Michigan and beyond, resulting in the Museum becoming a premier regional, cultural, social and ‘edutainment’ destination. The new Maritime Heritage Center would have flexible exhibit spaces, a Learning Center, office spaces, Museum store, as well as a second floor event space. The proposed building increases space nearly 4x that of the current facility and offers revenue generating opportunities not currently possible.
The main Museum building would increase from the current 4,500 sq. ft. to approximately 18,000 sq. ft.
A 1,200 sq.ft. Learning Center and connected covered outdoor space for up to 100 students.
~2,600 sq. ft. lower level exhibit space, including children’s exhibit.
1,100 sq. ft. open atrium with direct water views.
Increased Museum gift shop and welcome desk to accommodate visitors.
3,700 sq. ft. second floor exhibit/event space for up to 300 people with balcony overlooking the harbor.
Upper level meeting/conference rooms with space for up to 30 people.
Catering kitchen connected to upper event space.
Restroom facilities on both floors.
Staff offices on both floors to accommodate increased staffing needs.
Main Floor
Upper Level
