Split Rock Studios Celebrates the Grand Opening of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library For America’s 250th
July 5, 2026
As America celebrated its 250th birthday, Split Rock Studios proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) in Medora, North Dakota. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the completion of this landmark institution was a monumental feat. The project was made possible by an incredible network of partners in design, construction, and management. As exhibit fabricators, our team was entrusted with handling the library’s artifacts and fabricating multiple exhibit galleries.
Sharing a Legacy
Centering visitors in the story, the library is divided into eight “chapters,” with Theodore Roosevelt serving as a guide through a “biography” of his life. Each exhibit highlights notable periods of TR’s life through compelling storytelling, cutting-edge media experiences, and multisensory environments. These chapter galleries connect to a central space that acts as the “spine” of the library: the Narrative Gallery, proudly fabricated by Split Rock Studios. Blending historic narratives with today’s technology, the exhibits throughout the library engage visitors’ minds, hands, and hearts.
Inside the Galleries
Split Rock Studios fabricated over 40 artifact cases throughout the library and two major exhibit galleries. Throughout the project, we focused on crafting custom casework, handling all loaned and TRPL collection artifacts, and creating specialized mounts based on each object’s conservator requirements. Split Rock Studios was entrusted with one-of-a-kind pieces essential to telling TR’s story. From some of the most valuable items in the Smithsonian collection to pieces previously held at the White House, our expert team delivered the highest standards of care and craftsmanship through custom patterning, precision mount fabrication, and meticulous installation.
Roosevelt’s legacy is beautifully woven into the fabric of American history. To bring his story to life, we partnered with several of the nation’s most prestigious institutions to populate these exhibits, including the Library of Congress, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, the American Museum of Natural History, and the White House.
The Roosevelt Museum of Natural History Room
Filled floor to ceiling with curiosities from TR’s childhood, the Roosevelt Museum of Natural History is an enchanted library within a library. As visitors encounter custom wall-to-wall bookshelves created by Split Rock, they are prompted to start a museum-wide scavenger hunt, bring objects to life, and hunt for a secret room.
The Narrative Gallery
The Narrative Gallery makes up the heart of the library. Featuring 22 stunning custom-built display cases inspired by historical railroad ties, this space is filled with authentic artifacts and carefully curated props. These distinct cases guide visitors on a chronological journey through President Roosevelt’s extraordinary life, leadership, and enduring influence.
Team of Partners
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is a world-class educational and cultural center, achieved by an extraordinary collaborative team. This included architects Snøhetta and JLG, exhibit designer Local Projects, general contractor JE Dunn, and creative director Future of Storytelling.
Split Rock Studios was honored to be part of a talented exhibit fabrication team led by Dimensional Innovations. The process included collaboration with expert media partners, including Local Projects, RLMG, Cortina, and Redglass, and coordination with VLS on lighting integration and with Electrosonic on AV integration. Together, we created an experience designed to inspire and engage visitors for generations.
Plan your visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The library is open daily July 4 – September 13 from 9 am to 6 pm. Purchasing your tickets online in advance is recommended.
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
From custom artifact mounting to immersive and dimensional exhibits, Split Rock Studios combines storytelling with master craftsmanship. Contact our team today to discuss your next exhibit project.
