Tourism, Culture and Recreation
May 28, 2010The following is being distributed at the request of
The Rooms Corporation:
Unveiling of Expanded Mary March Provincial Museum
Highlighted by New Travelling Exhibition
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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