The Bean Museum is more than just a trip to the zoo.
Moms escorting preschoolers, buses full of elementary students, and rowdy Cub Scouts all find their way to the museum and are awed by the sheer number of animals on display. Not only that, but visitors also get a closer look than they would get at the zoo — free of charge.
Where else can you get an up-close look at Shasta the liger?
With 10 research collections, more than 3 million specimens worth $45 million and plenty of green carpet to go around, the Monte L. Bean Museum at Brigham Young University now joins the list of the top museums in the country.
After working for many years, the Bean Museum has received accreditation from the American Association of Museums, the highest national recognition a museum can receive.
It joins five other Utah museums on the AAM's accredited museum list.
“Accreditation assures the people of Utah that their museum is among the finest in the nation,” said Ford W. Bell, AAM president. “As a result, the citizens can take considerable pride in their homegrown institution for its commitment to excellence, and for the value it brings to the community.”
Although it was previously accredited for one year in 1997, the Bean Museum resumed the accreditation process in 2006, looking to join the list of the nation's top museums.
After completing a year-long self study (which basically means a whole lot of paperwork), members of the accreditation committee made an onsite visit in 2010 and picked apart the museum, examining all angles of the Bean.
The main challenges that faced the 30-plus-year-old museum included adequate facilities to meet the AAM's standards.
The appropriate changes were made, and after a four-year process, the Bean Museum received accreditation in November 2010 to extend 15 years.
"It's a credential you need to measure up to your peer community," Larry St. Clair, museum director, said.
"It ensures to our patrons that we're living up to the best practices. We're meeting this huge standard that is especially important with the scientific community," said Patty Jones, public relations manager for the museum.
Used for research by faculty, students and visiting researchers alike, the Bean Museum also sees 100,000 visitors each year.
Looking ahead, St. Clair said, "The single most important thing right now is adding on to the museum."
Currently with 55,000 square feet of space, the museum has just raised $9 million to expand by 30,000 square feet.
"Expanding will allow us to better serve our community (and) support the research of BYU students and faculty as well as the 100,000 other people that come through the museum," St. Clair said. "We want to give them the best kind of story you give, no charge."
E-mail: smoreton@desnews.com