Discover How the New Cultural Centre is Transforming Vernon Museum: Your Questions Answered!

A recent photo shows a collection storage room at the Museum and Archives of Vernon. Above the artifacts, water pipes hang precariously, posing a risk if they burst. This image highlights an important fact: the current building wasn’t designed to house all the museum’s valuable items.

The archives hold a vast collection: 107 meters of textual records, 300 archival collections, 33,000 photographs, and thousands of other items, including maps and audio recordings. Some items date back as far as 1860. The museum has been in its current location for almost 60 years, and leadership is excited about moving into a new space.

This year, construction will begin on the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre, a $46 million hub that will host both the Museum and Archives of Vernon and the Vernon Public Art Gallery. The new center aims to provide larger exhibition spaces, though plans have been adjusted to reduce space by 30% compared to the current building. Nonetheless, it will accommodate more visitors for events.

Adrianna Strange, the museum’s board president, shared insights about the museum’s mission and future. According to her, museums play a vital role in preserving local history. “We want to spark conversations and create a welcoming space for everyone,” she says. In 2022, the museum welcomed more than 3,000 visitors and hosted numerous events that attracted over 1,200 attendees. The museum serves as a safe haven for those who may feel isolated, providing both quiet space and community engagement opportunities.

Strange emphasized the importance of moving into the Cultural Centre. “Currently, we can only host 60 guests at a time. A bigger space means we can have more exhibits and allow traveling displays that we can’t accommodate now.” The museum’s mission to preserve and present historical artifacts is limited by its current infrastructure. New building features will support temperature and humidity control, crucial for protecting sensitive items from damage.

The cultural hub will also enhance visitor experiences. With more room, the museum can host larger events and collaborate with other nonprofits. This means more educational opportunities and a chance to display a wider range of artifacts, engaging more members of the community.

Strange noted a key aspect of their plans: “We want the community to feel ownership of the museum. Our collection should reflect the diversity and history of Vernon.” This vision aligns with recent trends seen in museums around the world, where community engagement and local history have become central to their missions.

The Cultural Centre’s design is still in discussion, with a focus on creating ideal spaces for exhibitions and events. Collaborations with expert consultants will ensure that the museum can flourish in its new environment while meeting the specific needs of its collections.

In the end, it’s about connection. Moving into the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre opens the door for greater community involvement and a richer experience for visitors. This upgrade not only preserves the past but also enhances how the museum interacts with its visitors today and in the future.

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