The expanded and upgraded exhibition gallery at the Mary March Provincial Museum was officially opened today in Grand Falls-Windsor. The new $1.1 million, 1,900 square foot expansion has more than tripled the travelling exhibition space at the museum.

To celebrate the expanded space, the first travelling exhibition Invention, Exuberance and Art: The Country Furniture of the Island of Newfoundland was also unveiled. This exhibition from The Rooms travelling exhibitions program examines the roots of furniture designs in Newfoundland and showcases the art and design of some of the very best pieces. In addition, during this opening weekend, visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to view a newly acquired David Blackwood painting, Home from Bragg's Island. This work will be on display once again beginning June 26 until September 19, 2010.

"The Provincial Government is delighted that the investment committed to the capital upgrade of the Mary March Provincial Museum has come to fruition," said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "The new extension to the gallery will greatly improve the exhibition services to the residents of Central Newfoundland, as well as to all visitors to the beautiful Exploits Valley region."

The project received $856,000 from the Provincial Government and $262,000 in support through the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

"Congratulations to the Mary March Provincial Museum on the re-opening of your expanded facility, particularly the new travelling exhibition gallery," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. "The expansion of the museum will increase access to a diversity of exhibits and heritage displays. The Government of Canada was pleased to provide funding towards this important cultural space for the residents and visitors of central Newfoundland."

Tom Foran, Chair of the Board of Directors for The Rooms Corporation, added: "The Mary March Provincial Museum is an essential component of The Rooms Regional Museums network. This network, which includes the Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River and the Provincial Seamen's Museum in Grand Bank, allows The Rooms to extend its reach throughout the province. It has always been the boards' vision that The Rooms be a place for all people of the province, whether they are in St. John's, Central or on the south east coast. Now, through the $1.1 million recapitalization of Mary March, we are better able to fulfill that vision".

The new building extension at the Mary March Museum was designed by MacCallum Architecture Ltd, with CBCL Consulting Engineers and Structural Design Inc. The construction contract was completed by Bluebird Investments Ltd. of Grand Falls-Windsor.

The Mary March Provincial Museum is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. seven days a week. A special public Open House is scheduled May 29-30 as part of the official opening events for the new gallery. For more information on the Mary March Provincial museum, visit: www.therooms.ca/museum/mary_march_museum.asp

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