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The Renovations

In October 2006, the Canadian Museum of Nature celebrated its 150th anniversary. A major milestone was also reached: the halfway point in its five-year renovation of the historic Victoria Memorial Museum Building (VMMB)—the museum'spublic exhibition site.

This moment also saw the re-opening of the west wing, with its new galleries and programming spaces. This marks another significant step in the building's history, which is the birthplace of Canada's national museums. Over the decades, its walls have echoed with voices of schoolchildren discovering the wonders of the natural world, the musings of scientists examining specimens collected on expedition, and even the speeches of politicians debating legislation during the First World War.

The Canadian Museum of Nature has been undertaking these major renovations of its historic, heritage building as part of a new vision of national service.

Work began in 2004 and will be finished in 2010. Renovations are upgrading mechanical and structural systems to remain in step with modern building codes. This will result in a fresh look inside, with new galleries and exhibition spaces, while the building's unique heritage characteristics will be maintained.

The final phase is now underway in the east wing and the central core, which includes the salon, theatre, atrium and main entrance. In addition to new gallery spaces and a new high-definition theatre, the east wing will include improved visitor amenities such as a café, a group entrance and a boutique.