The province is celebrating International Museum Day by encouraging Manitobans to explore their history with virtual visits to Manitoba museums.
“I applaud many of our wonderful museums for creating virtual tours, allowing Manitobans to safely enjoy many of the cultural and educational experiences we have to offer,” said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox. “While we can’t celebrate International Museum Day in the way we usually would, we are very fortunate to have many great online options.”
A number of Manitoba museums have participated in Manitoba’s Heritage Trust Program, an innovative program that makes $5 million available to museums and heritage organizations available through a matching donation formula.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial government recognizes that many museums and other heritage and cultural organizations are facing unprecedented financial challenges. In an effort to ease some of these pressures, the province is extending the three-year fundraising deadline that was originally established for the Manitoba Heritage Trust Program.
“Many museums and other groups in our province are facing financial challenges as a result of the pandemic, but by extending the fundraising deadline, we hope to help provide heritage organizations with additional flexibility,” said Cox. “We want to work in partnership with organizations as we all join together to help rebuild our economy.”
The first phase of Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery allows museums to open their doors under strict public health guidelines. Many museums have opted to remain closed, but there are a wide variety of online options to explore.
For more information on all of Manitoba’s museums, visit museumsmanitoba.com.
International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18 and is co-ordinated by the International Council of Museums. The objective is to raise awareness of cultural exchange and development of mutual understanding, co-operation and peace among people.
Manitoba is home to nearly 200 museums, with more than 40 of those located 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, transportation and industry.
