Interactive exhibit in the renovated Hoover Dam Visitor Center
BOULDER CITY, NV – The Bureau of Reclamation proudly commemorated its 123rd birthday today with the grand re-opening of the Hoover Dam Exhibit Center, following an extensive renovation. This revitalized space offers an engaging and interactive multisensory experience that brings to life the construction, purpose, and significance of Hoover Dam, which continues to supply essential power and water to the Southwest.
This notable project, supported by $15 million in funding from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act, underscores the Interior's ongoing commitment to enhancing public improvements and recreational areas in Nevada.
“This is an exciting project that shares the fascinating history of Hoover Dam and the dedication of everyone involved in its construction,” said David Palumbo, Acting Commissioner of Reclamation. “This engaging narrative is brought to life through the voices of workers and their families, and I commend all who have worked so hard to bring this upgraded visitor experience to fruition.”
As visitors traverse the newly designed passageway, they will encounter captivating visual displays, tactile elements and auditory features that immerse them in the rich history of Hoover Dam. Guests can experience the vibrations of jackhammers embedded in the canyon floor; handle shovels linked to the laborers who built this monumental structure; and walk through a ‘Rag Town’ shack that reflects the stories of families relocated to Boulder City.
A standout feature of the exhibit is a remarkable 17-foot model that showcases the complex inner workings of the dam, revealing components hidden within the canyon walls such as intake towers. The interactive exhibits tell a variety of stories using diverse media, ensuring interest for every visitor—from starting up the A1 commercial generator to triggering a blast on the canyon wall with a dynamite plunger.
"I am immensely proud of the work we have accomplished alongside our partners to create this remarkable new exhibit space,” said Acting Lower Colorado Basin Regional Director Genevieve Johnson. “Designed to be both educational and entertaining, it offers an authentic account of a day in the life of the people who constructed Hoover Dam during the Great Depression—a monument crafted by a collaborative effort that produced one of the most iconic landmarks in the world."
The Hoover Dam operates on a self-funding model, generating revenue through hydropower and tourism. Unlike other federal recreation sites, Hoover Dam does not receive funding under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, highlighting its operational independence.
The Hoover Dam is a critical component of the country’s infrastructure, serving multiple essential functions. It provides a reliable water supply for irrigation and municipal use, generates significant hydroelectric power for millions of people and helps control flooding along the Colorado River. Additionally, it acts as a major tourist attraction, contributing to local economies and supporting recreation in the area. Overall, Hoover Dam plays a vital role in water management, energy production, flood control and economic development.
