Montréal, October 12, 2004 - The Montréal
Science Centre, the Musée de la civilisation in
Quebec City and the Canada Science and Technology Museum
are pleased to announce a partnership between the three
institutions. The agreement allows each of the museums
to present and host three first class temporary exhibitions,
while acting as the principal architect of only one of
them.
This highly innovative type of co-production between institutions
of the Canadian museum community has a number of advantages.
It fosters the exchange of expertise, with an advisory
committee made up of participants from all three institutions
validating the major steps in the creation of each exhibition.
It also cultivates the sharing of museum-related practices,
encouraging the presentation of a variety of subjects
in unique styles (audience approach, graphics, design).
Another plus is cost sharing; competition is replaced
by partnership, since each institution acts as both producing
and host museum.
October 16, 2004 will see the opening of Autopsy of
a Murder, a new temporary exhibition at the Montréal
Science Centre, the institution responsible for its research,
design and production. The exhibition stands out not only
for its highly original theme and approach to engaging
the public, but also for its production in partnership
with two other museums. For its part, the Musée
de la Civilisation in Quebec City will produce and present
The Odyssey of Light, which will subsequently move
to the Montréal Science Centre in 2007. The Canada
Science and Technology Museum has also committed to producing
an exhibition, whose theme is currently under development.
Montréal Science Centre
Located in the heart of the Old Port, the Montréal
Science Centre is a unique institution. With its interactive
science exhibition halls, technological innovations, IMMERSION
movie game, IMAX® Theatre, boutiques and restaurants,
the Science Centre is a destination of choice for families
looking for an educational and entertaining experience.
Since its opening, over 1.6 million visitors have taken
part in the Centre's activities and high-quality education
programs, contributing to heightened interest among young
people in science and technology careers.
"As soon as it opened in 2000, the Montréal
Science Centre positioned itself as a centre that is open
to the community, a place where knowledge is shared, a
place for creation and dissemination. The agreement we
are announcing today reaffirms our desire to work in partnership
with the museum community, just as we do with local businesses
and scientists. Our objective is to become associated
with organizations that, with the complementarity of their
recognized capabilities, possess both know-how and the
ability to work together. The big winners will be our
visitors, who will enjoy three first-class exhibitions,"
said Ms. Claude Benoit, president and CEO of the Old Port
of Montréal Corporation, which manages the Montréal
Science Centre.
Musée de la civilisation in Quebec City
A national museum with an international vocation, the
Musée de la civilisation in Quebec City has become
an important player in the world of museology, renowned
for its expertise and know-how within Canada and abroad.
But the museum does not exist in isolation, and partnership
is the driving force behind its work. "Since its
creation, the museum has chosen to develop partnerships
with institutions and organizations from nearby and elsewhere.
Such partnerships represent a significant promise for
the future of organizations such as ours. The agreement
with the Montréal Science Centre and the Canada
Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa to produce and
rotate three science-themed exhibitions demonstrates the
importance we place in these fruitful relationships,"
said Ms. Claire Simard, the museum's general director.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
The Canada Science and Technology Museum preserves and
interprets Canada's science and technology heritage and
shares with Canadians how great innovations have impacted
not only Canada but also the world. The Museum's exhibitions
communicate to its visitors how Canada has contributed
internationally to advancements in science and technology
and the impact of these achievements on Canadian society.
"The tri-partnership with the Montréal Science
Centre and the Musée de la civilisation in Quebec
City offers an exciting opportunity to combine the expertise
and collections of three world-class institutions to produce
imaginative and cost-effective exhibitions that will travel
to all three cities," said Claude Faubert, Director
General of the Museum. "It also allows us to move
in new directions in the development of exhibition themes,
thereby offering the viewing public original and rewarding
experiences. For the Canada Science and Technology Museum,
it provides an excellent opportunity to make its superb
collection more accessible to Canadians unable to come
to Ottawa."
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Information :
Catherine Giroux
Press Relations Coordinator
Old Port of Montréal Corporation
Tel. : (514) 283-8085
cgiroux@oldportofmontreal.com
Source:
Old Port of Montréal Corporation
Musée de la civilisation de Québec
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Serge Poulin
Press relations
Musée de la Civilisation
Tel.: (418) 528-2072
Leeanne Akehurst
Manager, Communications and Marketing
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Tel.: (613) 990-6302
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