Upgrades coming to Manitoba Museum include café

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This article was published 20/06/2024 (761 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Rupert Street entrance of Manitoba Museum will be closed from July 22 until November as it undertakes a renovation project to update the entrance and improve accessibility.

During this time visitors will be directed to enter the museum via its Main Street entrance, where a temporary ramp will be in place.

The building’s foyer will also undergo comprehensive renovations to include seating areas, an updated museum shop and a café serving light food and drinks. Interior renovation work is expected to start in August.

Both projects will be complete by next summer.

Cost of the estimated $4.7-million Rupert Street entrance project is wholly funded by the province, while the visitor foyer transformation, which will cost about $1.4 million, is being split across the province’s Arts, Culture and Sport in Community fund, which will contribute $700,00, and the Manitoba Museum, which will match that amount.

“The museum’s contribution is in part possible because of the generous support of many Manitobans,” says Dorota Blumczynska, Manitoba Museum CEO.

The museum expects to remain open throughout the majority of the construction, with temporary closures anticipated in the fall to allow for asbestos abatement.

Members of the public can keep abreast of progress by visiting a construction update page on the museum’s website.

“In times of more significant disruption, when we have to clear out parts of the foyer, including the box office, we may move to an admission-by-donation structure, welcoming Manitobans to continue to visit by placing a donation box in the foyer,” Blumczynska says.

Some of the changes to the entrance include an accessible ramp, new concrete stairs, enhanced lighting, new doors and windows, and an overhang across the front to shelter visitors.

“These upgrades demonstrate the commitment of the museum to make it a safe and welcoming space, creating space for everyone to feel visible and valued,” said Peter Tonge of Peter Tonge Consulting, an organization that works with clients to address disability issues such as accessibility, inclusion, community engagement and policy development.

Darker corners will be eliminated to increase safety and visibility, and a new vestibule with accessible doors and curtain windows across the entire north-facing entrance wall will transform the foyer into a bright and welcoming space.

Work has also been planned in staff spaces to support the museum’s learning and engagement team.

The galleries will not be impacted by renovation works.

The museum is working with design firm Stantec Inc. on the project and construction was awarded to Graham Construction and Engineering.

av.kitching@winnipegfreepress.com