A rendering of the interior of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable MuseumOne year after the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla. experienced an extreme makeover to upgrade its facilities, its sister facility in Waterloo, Iowa -- the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum -- is expected to undergo a similar renovation to the tune of $1.4 million.
"The proposed $1.4 million renovation will not only transform the facility into a state-of-the-art museum with interactive displays, but it will also feature an expanded wrestling room, teaching center and theater," according to the announcement in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Journal Spring 2017 issue.
Despite the name, the facility more than a tribute to legendary wrestler and coach Dan Gable. Presently, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum features exhibits showcasing wrestling at all levels, with displays that trace the history of the sport in photos, artwork, and one-of-a-kind collectibles. In addition, there's the Alan & Gloria Rice Greco Hall of Champions, the Glen Brand Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Dan Gable Teaching Center (a wrestling room for demonstrations and instruction), a research library, a video theater, and a separate section on professional wrestling.
The museum's namesake, Dan Gable, weighed in with what he sees the mission of the facility now and after the renovations.
A look at a floor plan for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum"It's not just a building; it's a place you want to go to, time and time again, and it never gets old," said the Iowa State wrestling champ, 1972 Olympic gold medalist, and former head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa. "There are more than 110 years of wrestling on display."
"With these proposed upgrades, it will be a symbol of excellence for everything -- not just for wrestling -- for people all over the world, regardless of gender or age."
The NWHOF Dan Gable Museum upgrade is under the direction of Robert Buckley, who is chairman of the Hall of Fame Construction Committee, with assistance from committee members and members of the Hall of Fame staff. Exhibits are being developed by Dimensional Innovations of Kansas City, creators of the exhibit spaces and kiosks for the $3.8 million makeover of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum in Stillwater, which was completed in June 2016.
According to the NWHOF Journal, the Wrestling Beyond the Walls Dan Gable Museum Capital Campaign "has already received a significant number of financial commitments, and is now at a critical stage of seeking the remaining donations needed to fully fund and start construction on the $1.4 million project." Those in the wrestling community who wish to contribute to this effort may call the NWHOF Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745.
In 2010, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame absorbed the Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, which had previously been operated by the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum. That museum had originally opened in 1998 in Newton, Iowa prior to moving to Gable's hometown in 2006.
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