12 Apr, 2012
Welcome to a new patron: the Museum of Nature
Posted by andrea tomkins in: Fishbowl patrons|Ottawa
I’m so pleased to be writing about the Museum of Nature today. They are a long-standing member of the Ottawa community, and I’m very proud that they’ve chosen to come on board with me!
Is it weird to love a museum, or a building? The place has been a big part of our lives ever since the girls were small, and we still go there, and we still love it just as much. I still feel there is so much to see and learn here.
Have you been to the Museum since the rebuild? I wrote about it in May 2010.
The Victoria Memorial Museum Building, which houses the Canadian Museum of Nature’s exhibitions, was completed in 1910. She celebrated their 100th birthday last year, and although she’s had some nips and tucks she remains a beauty:
I wanted to use this opportunity to fill you in on a few things that you may not have known about the Museum of Nature.
It seems trite to say there’s something for everyone here, but I have to say it because it’s true.
Blockbuster exhibitions!
Whales Tohora (which I wrote about here) is the Museum’s current blockbuster exhibition which runs until September 3, 2012. It was developed by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and features two huge sperm whale skeletons (AWESOME), 20 whale skulls, precious Maori artifacts made from whalebone, many fun interactive exhibits… and Logan the whale:
The next big exhibition after Whales Tohora will be Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters. The exhibition and tour were developed by The Field Museum in Chicago and will open September 28 – May 5, 2013.
Art exhibitions!
The Museum also presents many art shows throughout the year. It’s the perfect setting for it. On display right now is Unrequited Death which features paintings by Helen Gregory, who depicts natural specimens in colourful, Victorianesque settings. This exhibition runs until September 3, 2012.
Also currently on view is Awesome Arctic: Images of Our Research in the North. This is a collection of 50 photographs showing the diverse nature of the Museum’s arctic research.
Permanent galleries!
In 2010, the Museum’s massive renovation project was completed. Opened that year were the RBC Blue Water Gallery, Vale Earth Gallery, and Animalium. The Vale Earth Gallery is being expanded in 2012 and will be completed at the end of November/early December.
Did you know that the Museum’s research and collections facility safeguards the 10.5-million-specimen collection is located in Gatineau, Quebec. (I’ve been there, but haven’t seen very much of it. Someday I will find a way!)
Adult programming!
Upcoming programmes for adult audiences include the Best of Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival (April 18-21, 2012), a film festival wrap-up party on April 21, café scientifique discussions (April 27 and May 25), and Whales Trivia Night on June 7.
Birthday parties!
The Museum is once again offering birthday parties for kids ages 4-8. I think this is a fantastic way to celebrate that special day. (Think: dinosaur birthday!) You can read more about that here.
I’ve worked with folks from the Museum of Nature and I know they are extremely passionate about what they do. They are good people, they promote awareness of Canada’s natural heritage through travelling exhibitions, public education and school programmes, on-going scientific research, and they have dynamic website too.
Anyway, yes! I am so happy to be partnering with the Museum of Nature in this way. Welcome aboard!
