Morrill Hall closed to visitors Tuesday after heavy overnight rainfall caused flooding on the museum’s first floor, though officials say the damage appears to be limited and major exhibits were spared.
Lincoln received significant rainfall overnight, with the museum reporting water entered the building beneath its main staircase.
“We believe some of that excessive rain and water was able to seep in under the main staircase of the museum,” said Caroline Clements, public relations manager for the University of Nebraska State Museum. “Unfortunately, that resulted in some flooding of our first floor, particularly in one of our classrooms, some restrooms, storage room, and kind of that main first-floor hallway area.”
The museum closed for at least the remainder of Wednesday while University of Nebraska-Lincoln personnel worked to remove standing water, dry affected areas and assess the damage.
“Fortunately, it seems the damage has been contained mostly to our flooring and carpet in those spaces,” Clements said. “Our Dolan murals and the main exhibits on that floor appear undamaged.”
Museum officials are evaluating whether unaffected portions of the building can safely reopen.
Despite the closure, Morrill Hall’s summer camp programs continued Wednesday after being moved to another part of the building.
“We were fortunately able to relocate them to one of our other science exploration classroom areas up on our fourth floor,” Clements said. “It was nice that we were able to still continue and offer those kids that have been looking forward to it that continued experience.”
Clements said any updates on reopening will be shared through the museum’s website and social media channels once a decision has been made.
“Our teams are moving as fast as possible because we know folks were disappointed not to be able to join us today,” she said. “We’re doing everything we can to try and get reopened as quickly as possible here for everyone.”