VANCOUVER.- In order to extend their role as a public and research institution, the Museum has embarked upon a major expansion project, increasing their size by 50% by 2010, and creating unprecedented opportunities for research, teaching, and public enjoyment. In May, the museum completed construction of a new wing (Phase I of the project), into which they have temporarily installed the majority of objects in their permanent collection (excluding those on the Ramp and in the Great Hall). Once renovation of the existing building is complete, these objects will be moved back into their new Multiversity Galleries (formerly Visible Storage). This dramatically re-designed space will incorporate magnificent custom-built cases now being manufactured in Italy, as well as interpretation spaces, a presentation circle, and electronic access to information, images, and rich media related to the objects in MOA’s collection.
To accommodate Phase II of the project – renovating 75% of their existing spaces – MOA will need to close its doors to the public from September 2, 2008 to March 3, 2009.
The museum realizes this may cause some inconvenience to their visitors, and especially to Museum members. For this reason, they are offering an extension of all benefits, ensuring that all current members receive a full six months of enjoyment of the Museum past their re-opening date of March 3, 2009, plus their newsletters, invitations to events planned to take place offsite during the period of closure, and the usual 15% discount on all Shop products. In addition, they have partnered with a number of local attractions to offer MOA members special benefits from September to March. Please call 604.822.5950 to inquire about these discounts.
They will also continue to offer public programs offsite while the museum is closed, including a talk by Joshua Mostow, world-renowned expert in Japanese film, art, and literature, on the world’s oldest novel, the “Tale of Genji,” and the first bi-annual Michael Ames Memorial Lecture, to be delivered by Maori scholar Dr. Paul Tapsell. For details on these talks, please see “Public Programs” or visit www.moa.ubc.ca/programs.
MOA merchandise will be available for purchase online (www.moa.ubc.ca/shop) and through the UBC Bookstore and the Vancouver Museum from September to March. “Windows on the World,” the Shop’s annual holiday sale, will take place at the Vancouver Museum, and a special evening for members is scheduled for Thursday, December 4. The Shop is also linking with the UBC Library for on-campus holiday events – watch for details this fall.
