Bing Crosby House Museum to reopen Saturday

SPOKANE, Wash. – After an 18-month pandemic-related closure, the Bing Crosby House Museum on Gonzaga University’s campus will reopen Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18.

Bing Crosby's father, Harry, and two uncles built Bing's childhood home in 1911 and it has remained in its original location for more than a century.  The main floor houses the Bing Crosby Collection, which contains more than 200 items including gold records, trophies, awards, and an Academy Award given for his performance in “Going My Way” (1944). 

The house, 508 E. Sharp Ave., will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Admission is free, as is parking directly behind the house. All visitors are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.

Numerous people have called or emailed asking when the museum would reopen, said Stephanie Plowman, Gonzaga’s Special Collections librarian and Crosby House curator.

“Many were coming from a long distance to Spokane and a highlight was to be visiting the Crosby House,” Plowman said. “I felt bad that we could not accommodate them. Now, I am very pleased that we are finally able to reopen to the public.”

It’s a site in demand.

“Prior to closing in March 2020, we were receiving up to 5,000 visitors a year from almost all 50 states and at least five foreign countries,” said Plowman, who added that tour buses regularly brought visitors to the museum. “We hope once the pandemic slows down, we can continue to receive these buses and increase our hours.”

Gonzaga students greet visitors on weekdays, while volunteers cover the Saturday hours.

Should you be interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Plowman at 509-313-3847 or plowman@gonzaga.edu.