The University of B.C.’s Museum Of Anthropology re-opened its doors yesterday after six months of expansions and upgrades, and has now doubled in size.
On first glance it doesn’t seem drastically different, but Jennifer Webb, communications manager with the museum, said a lot of the big changes are behind the scenes.
“We’ve redone all the systems — lighting security and air conditioning,” she said. “We reorganized some objects in the Great Hall and introduced some new interpretations.”
The entrance, lobby and gift shop have been updated, and there’s a new wing for research, staff and laboratories.
The ceramics gallery, the gold artifacts that were stolen and recovered last year, and Bill Reid’s Raven And The First Men sculpture will be on display in May.
“People feel really kind of possessive of this place and are (happy) to come back.”
Marie Michaud, a guest at the gallery who works in Vancouver’s tourism industry, said the museum is a hot spot for visitors here.
“People come from far away (to visit it),” Michaud said. “It really shows B.C. and our native culture.”
Jonathan Tyler, who lives in Vancouver and came to the museum with his family, said it’s a great space for locals, too.
“It’s always bright and sunny and the pieces are fantastic,” Tyler said. “Any display of cultural artifacts like this is very important.”
