Following a three-year renewal project, the new Canada Science and Technology Museum has officially opened its doors. The Ottawa museum opened as a centennial project in 1967, marking 100 years since Canada's confederation, and now celebrates its 50th anniversary this week.
With the opening comes 7,400 square metres of redesigned space, boosting the number of artifacts and interactive exhibits that made the museum a household name and favourite among tourists. Described as a "meeting point between past, present and future," the museum chronicles Canada's innovation story and explores how human ingenuity has shaped scientific breakthroughs.
The institution received $80 million in federal funding to renovate the building, a former bakery distribution centre that had been stricken with mould. The renewed complex brings with it 11 new permanent exhibitions and utilizes the latest technologies, including augmented reality and mobile apps, to educate visitors. It is one of three museums under Ingenium, Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation, a national brand established in June 2017. The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum are the other two facilities in the corporate brand.
"One of the Ingenium Museums, the Canada Science and Technology Museum is reopening to provide a new immersive experience for its visitors," said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "Canada 150 is a chance for Canadians and communities to come together and celebrate their achievements and our place in the world. I invite you all to visit the new exhibitions, which highlight our outstanding talents in science, technology and innovation fields."
Are you thinking of paying a visit to the new complex? Let us know what you think of the renovations by leaving a comment in the field below.