The big five-o.
The Burnaby Village Museum will hit the halfway to 100 mark next month after opening to the public for its first full year back in 1972.
To celebrate, the city says it will mark the occasion with new exhibits, entertainment and activities. They will officially reopen for the summer season from May 7 to Sept. 5, offering visitors an immersive experience of the 1920s village comprising heritage and recreated buildings.
"For 50 years, the museum has offered the community a chance to experience and learn about the history of Burnaby, and I'm pleased that the museum continues to provide this important service to everyone," Mayor Mike Hurley said in a news release.
"I congratulate all the staff, volunteers and the community on this milestone and thank them for helping us preserve and celebrate our past."
New additions will include:
- We are 50: Explore the Unexpected - New exhibit will showcase objects rarely seen by the public before
- Kids Conservation Lab - Go behind-the-scenes and learn what it takes to be a museum conservator in this interactive exhibit
- Anniversary arches - Life-sized arch installations will showcase the museum's evolving role in the community through the eyes of local artists. Will be unveiled in late May
- Scavenger hunt and giveaways - Pickup your scavenger hunt at the gates and explore conservation projects of all sizes throughout the museum. Special 50th-anniversary giveaways will be available at both gates for opening weekend (May 7 and 8)
- View through time - Discover the history of the museum's buildings through photographs and anniversary banners
- Explore the carousel gallery - Discover the history behind this 100 plus year old treasure of the fairgrounds
- Museum memory craft book - Design your own keepsake memory book of your visit to the museum
- Community day - May 23 will be a big anniversary celebration with live music, activities and speeches starting at 2 p.m.
- Walking tours - Starting on May 24, you can register and participate in a guided walking tour of the museum. Tours will take place every Tuesday and Saturday at 2 p.m.
"We're very excited about our anniversary celebrations and hope that Burnaby residents and visitors from all over will celebrate with us," Burnaby Village Museum cultural heritage manager Deborah Tuyttens added in the release.
"It's a great time to look back at the village's history, but it's also a great time to look forward."
