Larry Bird Museum brings ‘monumental’ impact
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTerre Haute has more than a dozen museums within its city limits, and the latest pays tribute to an Indiana legend also known as “Larry Legend.”
The Larry Bird Museum opened in late May at the Terre Haute Convention Center after six years of planning, construction and delays.
“Having this museum was monumental for the community,” said Vigo County Capital Improvement Board President Chris Switzer said. “I felt like in a way we owed it to him to get his name into keep his name in Terre Haute.”
In an interview with Around INdiana Reporter Mary-Rachel Redman, Switzer said bringing the museum to fruition wasn’t easy.
“Larry is a tough guy. He’s very introverted. Sometimes it’s difficult to have a conversation with him, but we asked about a museum here in Terre Haute. He was generally excited about it,” he said. “We had a lot of tough conversations, but we know that people were going to visit Terre Haute because of Larry Bird, and we’re thankful for Larry allowing us to have that.”
Two years and $2.5 million after the convention center opened, the legacy of Larry Bird has come to life.
His historic run at Indiana State University permanently put Terre Haute on the basketball map. The museum chronicles his entire career, including his time at ISU and the Boston Celtics, and his storied relationship with Magic Johnson.
Switzer said the Bird brand’s global reach creates a major win for Terre Haute tourism.
“Larry Bird played in the ’92 Summer Olympics; you knew Larry Bird because he was on the national stage with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, all those guys,” he said. “So his brand is throughout the world, and to be able to capitalize on his name and to be able to showcase his efforts, what he did for the community right here in Terre Haute is huge.”
Bird’s only request for the museum: free admission. You can learn more about the Larry Bird Museum by clicking here.