UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences' Museum & Art Gallery will be hosting a special event celebrating the unveiling of the renovated gallery space from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 25. The event will be held in conjunction with the Penn State Museum Consortium’s "Night at the Museums."

“This renovated space isn’t the space most of our visitors will remember,” said Patti Wood Finkle, curator of the EMS Museum & Art Gallery. “The new space is brighter and airier. We are also working toward including more student-led exhibits and events in collaboration with researchers and our new student advisory group.”

Visitors to the renovated gallery will be able to view new exhibits including “We Are the Hope for a Sustainable Future,” a tornado exhibit and a mining lamp exhibit — all spearheaded by current Penn State students — as well as old favorites like the blue and white minerals exhibit and the flexible sandstone case. Visitors can also explore Pennsylvania’s industrial history with the newly restored “Sources of Industrial Wealth” map and a featured art exhibition, “Over & Under: Bridges of Pennsylvania.”

“Night at the Museums” is designed to bring people to visit the museums,” said Finkle. “Staying open until 8 p.m. provides an opportunity for people who may not be able to attend during the day. We decided to piggyback our opening with this event and are inviting students, staff, faculty and the public to come and see the recent updates and additions.

Visitors can enjoy refreshments and have the opportunity to make an origami diamond to remind them of their visit.