The Maritime Museum of BC has found a home in Nootka Court, located at 634 Humboldt St. The new location will have a Society Office and small exhibition space. The Museum took possession of the 3600-square foot space on July 1, and will be making it ready for the public in the coming weeks. The projected opening date is early August 2015.
The new MMBC Society Office, will be located directly across from the Empress Hotel and steps away from Victoria’s Inner Harbour. It will be developed in a phased approach and will feature administrative offices, a research lab, and a gift shop in its first phase. Expected to be a hub of activity for volunteers, the museum invites the public to visit the space and engage in conversations about the new vision and goals for the future.
“As additional resources become available, attention will be placed on the development of engaging, fluid exhibits designed to share, inspire and connect our rich, diverse collection with our members, visitors and community at-large.” (MMBC press release)
The MMBC was able to obtain the location with the help of the Lindholm Family of Victoria who donated $10,000 to support improvements and infrastructure at the Nootka Court location. Gerald Hartwig and Hartwig Industries also facilitated in the process, and Wottrich Holdings Ltd. provided the space at a substantially reduced rate. The Province of British Columbia have kept the collection at an off-site storage facility while a new location was sought.
Admission will be by donation. Details of an opening date and launch event will follow in the coming weeks.
