OTTAWA, November 4, 2025 – The Vanier Museopark is proud to present its new temporary exhibit, ARTEFACTS 2019–2024, an exceptional showcase highlighting the most recent additions to its collection.
Starting November 7, 2025, the public will have access, for the very first time, to a selection of objects usually kept out of sight in the museum’s storage.
It is estimated that more than 95% of museum collections are never displayed to the public. This exhibit therefore represents a rare and precious opportunity to admire a dozen significant artefacts, including religious objects, Knights of Columbus and school uniforms, an old Montreal Road sign, and hockey jerseys from Vanier’s amateur teams.
One of the exhibit’s centrepieces is the drum of the Académie de La Salle Cadet Corps, manufactured in London in 1929. Two wooden statues representing the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, carved by Médard Bourgault of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, are shown in photographs only due to their inestimable value. These remarkable works, originating from Saint-Charles-Borromée Church, were donated to the museum by the Marie-Médiatrice parish.
“Showcasing these artefacts gives them new life and allows the public to reconnect with an important part of our collective history. Every donation we receive helps preserve Vanier’s memory and deepen our understanding of its material heritage. Without our generous donors, many of these objects would have been lost forever.”
— Yanick Labossière, Curator, Vanier Museopark
“This exhibit is fully aligned with our mission and mandate to showcase and safeguard Vanier’s cultural heritage and ensure its sustainability. We warmly invite the public to come discover these hidden treasures and explore the richness of Vanier’s heritage.”
— Yves Turbide, Executive Director, Vanier Museopark
The ARTEFACTS 2019–2024 exhibit, included with museum admission, will be on display until fall 2026. After that, the objects will return to storage, making this exhibit the only opportunity to see them in person.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
- Exhibit: ARTEFACTS 2019–2024
- Dates: November 7, 2025 – Fall 2026
- Location: Vanier Museopark (300 des Pères-Blancs Ave., 2nd Floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1L 7L5)
- Admission: Included with museum entry
- Website: https://museoparc.ca/en/museum/temporary-exhibit/
About the Vanier Museopark
The Vanier Museopark is a non-profit organization in the heart of Vanier, a working-class neighbourhood near downtown Ottawa, which celebrates the community’s rich heritage and history. Through exhibitions, talks, workshops, school programs, and interpretive tours, the Vanier Museopark helps curious people of all ages and cultures discover and learn about the habits and customs of the local Francophone community. The Vanier Museopark is Ottawa’s only French-language museum and one of the few Canadian museums devoted entirely to the Francophone community outside Quebec. The Museopark operates an authentic sugar shack in the heart of an urban maple forest, the only one of its kind in Canada. It also hosts the Sugar Festival, an annual event that promotes maple syrup culture, showcases Franco-Ontarian and Indigenous artists, and is a hugely popular family activity. Proud of its roots, the Vanier Museopark has been a fixture of the community since it was founded in 2004. www.museoparc.ca
– 30 –
For additional information or interview requests:
Annick Normand
Communications & Marketing Manager, Vanier Museopark
communication@museoparc.ca