Mount House hires studies to assess reopening of underground exhibit

Karina, the Mount House museum manager, said staff commissioned consultants to assess safety, air quality and infrastructure requirements for reopening the museum’s underground exhibit. She told the CELCAD committee that a study was completed last year and another is underway to provide an independent feasibility report.

"We're looking into different contractors for the air quality, for the safety, electricity," Karina said, describing the work as aimed at identifying the point‑by‑point requirements to reopen the site "in whatever capacity is feasible." Committee members urged the staff to solicit varied consultant perspectives so the final report reflects realistic options rather than a goal‑driven outcome.

Karina and members discussed limited reopening scenarios: opening the underground space for viewing the mound itself rather than restoring the full immersive exhibit of the pre‑Ian configuration. Committee members asked staff to summarize safety findings and estimated costs in a monthly report so the council and budget staff can evaluate funding options.

Next steps: Karina will provide details on consultant names, anticipated deliverables and a timeline for the feasibility report; the committee asked for monthly updates to inform funding and operational decisions.