MATTAWA — The grand opening for the new Wanapum Heritage Center, located near Priest Rapids Dam, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m., PUD publicist Chuck Allen has announced.

Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the center will be opened to the public with all-new exhibits and displays to demonstrate the Wanapum culture and history.

Located on the ancestral grounds of the indigenous Wanapum Tribe of the Priest Rapids, Allen said the 50,000 square-foot facility is a key element to protecting, preserving and perpetuating the culture, traditions and identity of the Wanapum people.

The center features artifacts, exhibits, artwork and thematic elements that illustrate the culture and history of the Wanapum. There are many permanent displays as well as room for temporary exhibits and collections.

There is also working space that will be used by the Wanapum to preserve their culture, language and traditions for future generations.

The Heritage Center is owned by Grant PUD. It will be operated by the Wanapum from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The facility is an important resource for maintaining Grant PUD’s relationship with the Wanapum and fulfilling the PUD’s value of protecting the heritage of the Wanapum.

It is located about five miles south of Mattawa at 29082 Highway 243, Mattawa WA 99349. Admission is free. Take the Priest Rapids Dam entrance lane to the right. Turn right again at the first right.

Building and site construction stared in Aug. of 2012, Allen said. Construction of the exhibits began in November of 2014. The cost of the project was $11.35 million.