OTTAWA, Friday, November 17, 2017 — The new Canada Science and Technology Museum opened its doors to the public today, following a three-year renewal. Originally opened as a centennial project in 1967, the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary this week – as part of the Canada 150 celebrations.
One of three museums under Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, the new museum features more than 7,400 m² of completely redesigned space. Combining everything visitors liked about the previous incarnation (locomotives and the Crazy Kitchen) with more artifacts and interactives that will surely become new favourites, the museum tells Canada’s innovation story in an immersive, educational, and fun way.
A meeting point between past, present, and future, the museum explores the creativity and human ingenuity that drives scientific and technological discovery. Visitors can learn about – and become an integral part of – Canada’s innovation story as they engage with 11 new permanent exhibitions, witness live demonstrations, engage with augmented reality and mobile apps, or tinker in the Exploratek maker studio. Even the very youngest visitors can follow their natural curiosity in the ZOOOM Children’s Innovation Zone, a playful learning space designed for children aged eight and under.
Quick facts
- Size of exhibition space = 7,400 m² (80,000 sq. ft.)
- Exhibitions = 11
- Artifacts = over 2,900
- Construction time = 26 months
For background information, photos, and video of construction, artifacts, and exhibitions, visit: https:ingeniumcanada.org/scitech/media2017.php.
QUOTATIONS
"One of the Ingenium Museums, the Canada Science and Technology Museum is reopening to provide a new immersive experience for its visitors. 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."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
“Canada’s Science and Technology Museum plays an essential role in creating a culture of curiosity in this country. Our government is proud to support this important venue that sparks excitement in our young people and encourages the next generation to aim for careers in science, technology, engineering or math.”
- The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science
“I’m thrilled that the new, world-class Canada Science and Technology Museum will tell our story to audiences across the country and around the globe. Canada now has a proper home to showcase the science and technology contributions it has made, while inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
- Fernand Proulx, Interim CEO, Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
“The new museum marries the past and the future. We are experimenting with technology in the visitor experience with digital apps, our LED canopy, and virtual and augmented reality. We also believe that by exploring the process of innovation through hands-on visitor experiences, we can spark creativity and better equip the next generation of Canadians to meet future challenges.”
- Christina Tessier, Director General, Canada Science and Technology Museum
About Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
Launched in June 2017, Ingenium is a new national brand established to preserve and share Canada’s story of scientific and technological heritage. This corporate brand, which celebrates ingenuity, encompasses three national institutions—the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. Under the Ingenium brand, these three museums are places where the past meets the future, with spaces where visitors can learn and explore, play, and discover. Ingenium also has an eye to the future with a state-of-the-art Collections Conservation Centre under construction, digital and social media platforms, and travelling national and international exhibitions to educate, entertain and engage audiences across Canada and around the world. For more, visit: IngeniumCanada.org
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Media contact
Michelle Coates Mather
Senior Consultant, NATIONAL Public Relations
MCoatesMather@national.ca
C 613-806-3326