After over 50 years of stoic existence, the Royal BC Museum is now asking for the public’s input on how to modernize and ensure the province’s natural and human history is preserved for generations to come.
The provincial government is planning on renovating the museum, which first opened in 1967. Seismic upgrades are needed for the building to mach current safety standards, and the museum’s collections of specimens, artifacts, and cultural treasures has outgrown available space.
See also:
- Here’s the whole story behind the bell tower at Royal BC Museum
- Royal BC Museum accepts donation of 18,000-specimen fossil collection
“The Royal BC Museum is one of B.C.’s greatest cultural icons, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture in a release. “It offers people the chance to explore our social and environmental history and discover the events and people that shape our province.”
“We know how important the museum is to people in B.C., and that’s why we are moving forward with plans to modernize and protect this irreplaceable collection. I’m looking forward to hearing people’s views on what a modern, accessible provincial museum could be.”
Over 880,000 people visit the museum each year. In total, the museum is home to more than seven million objects, archives, and specimens of BC’s natural and human history.
While the province finalizes its plans, British Columbians can share their ideas for the future museum designs online here or in person between April 1st and June 27th, 2019.
Public meetings will also be held in Victoria in May and June, with specific dates to be announced soon.
