“At a moment when the purpose and guiding values of museums are being widely reconsidered, the Burke Museum is honored to be recognized for its commitment to serving our communities,” said Gabriela Chavarria, executive director of the Burke Museum. “We see this commitment come to life in the new building, which is designed to bring visitors into close, meaningful engagement with the Burke's research and collections."
"Our commitment to community is also reflected in every aspect of our work," said Julie Stein, Burke Museum emeritus executive director. "We value and prioritize consulting and co-creating beyond the museum so we can better reflect the diverse histories, perspectives, traditions and contributions of our region."
The Burke Museum is governed by the University of Washington Board of Regents and administered by the College of Arts and Sciences. With a collection featuring over 18 million pieces, the Burke opened its new home in 2019, a stunning 113,000-square foot building that brings visitors and researchers together through an innovative “inside-out” design where visitors can see—and feel—a world alive.
The award will be presented at a ceremony next month in Washington, DC. For a complete list of 2022 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal winners, visit the IMLS website.
