The Royal Tyrrell Museum opened its new exhibit Foundations on Friday and officially announced a major $9.3 museum million expansion in conjunction with the provincial government.
Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda was on hand to officially open the new exhibit and to make the official Tyrrell expansion announcement as a part of the NDP’s Alberta Jobs Plan.
“The expansion money our government is announcing today will increase visitors, create jobs, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” Minister Miranda said.
Funding will go toward expanding facilities, including the distance learning studios, additional classroom and learning spaces, expanding accessible washroom facilities, developing a hands-on discovery room, and a rest area.
The Tyrrell received $7 million for this year and $2.3 million for next year. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2017 and be completed in spring 2019. The museum will remain open to the public throughout the construction period.
“When we build, renew, and maintain infrastructure such as the Royal Tyrrell, our economy gets a needed boost. Investing in infrastructure also supports jobs,” said Minister of Infrastructure Brian Mason in a press release.
The museum expansion announcement comes a year after the Tyrrell broke its attendance records with over 400,000 visitors.
The expansion project was previously reported in the April 20 edition of inSide Drumheller and the article is available online at www.drumhellermail.com
The Foundations exhibit is situated at the beginning of the museum gallery and is designed to introduce key themes and ideas central to palaeontology through interactive displays and exhibits.
