The Vanier Museopark would like to highlight the contribution made by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to its renovation of the museum space in the form of a capital grant of more than $150,000.
The first phase of this major project is now complete. Over the past few months, a magnificent natural Canadian maple floor was installed throughout the gallery. The blinds were replaced by solar screens that more effectively control the amount of light that can penetrate into the gallery and thereby better protect our photosensitive artefacts. At the same time, the Wi-Fi connection was optimized to support the latest technologies we plan to add to future exhibitions.
“The Museopark is renewing itself to better serve the Vanier community and, at the same time, give francophones in Ottawa and the neighbouring communities a museum that lives up to their expectations,” indicated Vanier Museopark Executive Director Madeleine Meilleur. “This major renovation never would have been possible without the financial support provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, to which we are deeply grateful for its generosity.”
The second phase of renovation will involve modernizing watertight chests and display racks for the museum’s new permanent exhibition. As soon as it reopens, the Vanier Museopark will proudly display its collection in a space that will give visitors the opportunity for a totally new experience.
“The Museopark is a highly iconic site for Vanier residents and francophones throughout the greater Ottawa area,” confirmed provincial MPP Lucille Collard. “I am so proud of our community for coming together, with the help of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, to help transform this unique museum, thereby ensuring the continuity of our francophone heritage!”
Situated at the heart of a unique urban park in the nation’s capital, the Vanier Museopark celebrates its neighbourhood’s rich heritage and history, as well as Canada’s Francophonie, to ensure their perpetuation. It gives communities the opportunity to discover and appreciate them in an open, multicultural and intergenerational space.
The first permanent exhibition at the Vanier Museopark, entitled “Vanier on the Outaouais”, opened in October 2006, and has had thousands of visitors since its inauguration.
About the Vanier Museopark
The Vanier Museopark is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Vanier, a popular neighbourhood near downtown Ottawa. It celebrates the rich heritage and history of its community. Through its exhibits, talks, workshops, school programs and interpretive tours, the Vanier Museopark allows curious people of all ages – and all cultures – to discover and learn about the habits and customs of the local francophonie. It is the only French-language museum in Ottawa and one of the few Canadian museums outside Quebec devoted entirely to the French-speaking communities. The Vanier Museopark also operates an authentic sugar shack in the heart of an urban sugar bush, the only one of its kind in the world. It also hosts the Sugar Festival, a family-friendly annual event that promotes the culture of maple syrup as well as Franco-Ontarian and Aboriginal artists. Proud of its roots, the Vanier Museopark has been anchored in the community since 2004. www.museoparc.ca
About The Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, close to $112 M was invested in 1,384 projects and community partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities, as well as to strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020-2021, the OTF assisted the province’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impact of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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For additional information or to request an interview, please contact:
Annick Normand
Manager, Communications and Marketing, Vanier Museopark
communication@museoparc.ca