The Charlie Russell Gallery at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena, MT, is pictured on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan)

Politicians, philanthropists and an excited public are celebrating the opening of the Montana Heritage Center, a $107 million project showcase of the state’s history.

During a ceremony Tuesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte called it a “world class facility,” and its historical exhibits and art galleries would not be out of place at major museums in Chicago, San Francisco or New York.

“This accomplishment is remarkable and highlights the generosity and the love that Montanans have for Montana,” Gianforte said.

Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was the result of decades of work from many Montanans who wanted to help preserve the state’s history. A 70,000

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