Manitobans are encouraged to visit the province’s many museums this May long weekend in celebration of International Museum Day.
“Manitoba has an amazing variety of museums, showcasing the great history of this province,” said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox. “I encourage all Manitobans and visitors to the province to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy traveling back in time with a visit to a museum and learn about the great history of the people who built this province.”
International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18 and is, co-ordinated by the International Council of Museums. Manitoba has nearly 200 museums, with more than 40 in the city of Winnipeg. Museums can be found in every region of the province, with collections that include art and history, science and nature, sports and leisure, and transportation and industry.
“Our museums, archives and heritage organizations preserve our history and provide cultural opportunities to both Manitobans and tourists,” said Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton. “Manitoba has a rich history and diverse heritage, which our museums showcase to thousands of visitors every year.”
The Manitoba government has strengthened its support for museums and heritage organizations across the province with a new $5-million Manitoba Heritage Trust Program established to provide eligible organizations with one dollar for every two dollars raised for their endowment fund. The province will guarantee support up to a maximum of $25,000 to organizations that raise $50,000.
“Museums are an important part of the cultural, social, educational and economic fabric of our province. They are found in every municipality in the province,” said Monique Brandt, executive director, Association of Manitoba Museums. “Most Manitoba museums are volunteer run and driven. Volunteers contribute over 300,000 hours to support these important institutions as they host over 1.9 million visitors each year including 3,800 school groups.”
The provinces support for museums also includes a recent $8.75-million commitment to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, with another $1.25 million available in 2018 if private donation targets are met. The province also provided a $10-million contribution to the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Inuit Art Centre. On May 12, the province announced a $1.4-million commitment to the Manitoba Museum’s Bringing Our Stories Forward capital renewal project, which has another $3.6 million available if private donation targets are met.
For more information on all of Manitoba’s museums, visit www.museumsmanitoba.com.
