More than just collections from the past

St. Vital

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/07/2023 (1168 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s raining as I write this article on the Canada long weekend. This reminds me how lucky we are that Winnipeg has 40 museums to explore when it is too hot, cold, or rainy to be outside. Another 160 museums are tucked away in cities, towns, rural and northern communities throughout Manitoba.

Museums collect, conserve, research, interpret, and exhibit tangible and intangible heritage (International Council of Museums, 2022). This definition is all-encompassing. It includes art museums and galleries. It includes archives (documents, maps, photos, and videos). It includes science centres and planetariums. It even includes zoos, aquaria, and botanic gardens with living collections.

Collections are at the heart of traditional museums. They offer us a glimpse into the past. They help us appreciate our rich natural and cultural heritage. They tell stories of military sacrifice and sporting achievements. They amaze us with technological ingenuity. They help us see the world through an artist’s eyes.

But what is intangible heritage?

Now, let’s get back to those fortyish museums in Winnipeg. You can probably think of five or 10 well-known ones. These include the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Manitoba Museum and Science Centre, Royal Aviation Museum, Manitoba Children’s Museum, Winnipeg Art Gallery, and Assiniboine Zoo.

Here are some lesser-known and specialty museums to check out this summer – come rain or shine:

• European settlement: La Musée de Saint-Boniface, Transcona Museum, Seven Oaks House, Ross House, Dalnavert, St. Vital Museum, Grant’s Old Mill;

• Cultural heritage: Oseredok, Ivan Franko Museum, Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ogniwo Polish Museum, Jewish Heritage Centre, Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, Métis Nation Heritage Centre, La Maison Gabrielle Roy;

• Technology and transportation: Manitoba Electrical Museum, Winnipeg Firefighters Museum, Winnipeg Railway Museum;

• Recreation: Manitoba Children’s Museum, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame;

• Military: Fort Garry Horse Museum, Royal Winnipeg Rifles Museum, Manitoba Naval Museum;

• Natural heritage: Living Prairie Museum, FortWhyte Alive;

• Art: Manitoba Crafts Museum, Pavilion Galleries.

Visit www.museumsmanitoba.com to discover more.