British Columbians are invited to share their ideas for a modernized Royal BC Museum as the Province moves forward with planning to preserve B.C.’s natural and human history for generations to come.

“The Royal BC Museum is one of B.C.’s greatest cultural icons, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It offers people the chance to explore our social and environmental history and discover the events and people that shape our province,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “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.”

Since first opening its doors in 1967, millions of residents and visitors have visited the museum to learn about B.C.’s history. The museum’s extensive collections of specimens, artifacts and cultural treasures have outgrown the available space, and the building no longer meets today’s accessibility or seismic standards. Government is undertaking a study to assess options for a modernized museum.

Between April 1 and June 27, 2019, people can share their ideas for the future of the Royal BC Museum, either online or in person.

Quotes:

Raymond Protti, chair, Royal BC Museum —

“People throughout the province and spanning multiple generations have fond memories of discovering B.C.’s past and present at the Royal BC Museum. I’m excited that we are embarking on this project with the government to preserve the museum’s vast collection and create a vision for a museum experience that will continue to engage people for generations to come.”

Lisa Helps, mayor of Victoria —

“The City of Victoria is excited about the provincial government’s initiative to engage British Columbians on how they’d like to see the Royal BC Museum modernized. The museum is home to British Columbia’s priceless treasures and conveys our stories to the world. Modernizing the museum will foster deeper understanding and enjoyment of our cultural and natural heritage, in addition to safeguarding and broadening access to its collections.”

Brenda Baptiste, chair, Indigenous Tourism BC —

“Modernizing the Royal BC Museum gives us all the incredible opportunity to improve cultural understanding of Indigenous peoples in B.C., both in the past and today. We are looking forward to engaging with the government and the museum to create a museum experience that showcases Indigenous traditions, histories and cultures to people from all over the world.”

Paul Nursey, CEO, Destination Greater Victoria —

“Destination Greater Victoria is pleased to see the provincial government start consultations about future investments in Royal BC Museum. We have a longstanding business partnership with the Royal BC Museum and recognize its role as an iconic attraction in driving visitor demand for Greater Victoria. We are thrilled by the opportunities that this could bring for Indigenous tourism, conventions and conferences, new, innovative experiences for visitors and more.”

Quick Facts:

• Details of public meetings will be available and online comments can be provided from April 1 to June 27, 2019, at: engage.gov.bc.ca/museummodernization
• Regional public meetings will be held in May and June in Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, Prince George and Duncan.
• The Royal BC Museum holds over seven million objects, archives and specimens of B.C.’s natural and human history, in addition to the provincial government archives.
• More than 880,000 people visit the museum each year, including 140,000 youth.
• Outreach and programs offered by the museum reach more than 40 communities each year.

Learn More:

For more information about the museum, visit: http://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/