Jul
11
By Bob Tuomi
The cornerstone of the current museum building was dedicated by the Queen Mother in March of 1966. It was to be our centennial gift to ourselves. Though located here in Victoria, this new museum was for telling all of British Columbia, our BC story. And, for the 47 years since, the building, welcoming a half- million people every year, has generally served us well.
The Museum was founded in 1886 as a response to increasing plunder of First Nations artifacts by offshore individuals and other museums. The Archives, one of the oldest in western Canada was founded 1894. They combined in 2003 to become the Royal British Columbia Museum. The collections are now said to total 10 million items valued at $100 million; the largest collection in Canada.
The Royal BC Museum mission statement is: To explore and preserve British Columbia's human history and natural history: to inspire curiosity and wonder; and to share our story with the world.
Unfortunately the museum experience of the sixties appears tired and uninspired in this new century. Unless new ways are found to inspire curiosity and wonder, the story we want to share with the world, much less our province won't be seen. The other reality is that funding and subsidy is less secure and in the competition for the dollar a jaded public demands more sizzle along with their steak.
Jack Lohman, appointed CEO of the Royal BC Museum in March 2012, is leading the charge to bring our Museum into the 21st century. In a nutshell he is: Professor of Museum Design and Communication at the Bergen National Academy of the Arts in Norway; the Chairman of the National Museum in Warsaw; and the Editor in Chief of UNESCO's Museums and Diversity publications series. Prior to his current appointment he was the former CEO of the U.K. Museum of London. He has the proper credentials.
The plan is to first have discussions throughout British Columbia determining what British Columbians want for their museum. From these discussions a master plan will be developed. This will be done as early as this fall. The entrance to the museum has already been identified as inappropriate and John McAslan & Partners have been selected as architects for its renovation. Subject to funding, work should take place in 2014.
Some early thoughts suggest that the dioramas are too wonderful to be touched; the expanse of concrete surrounding the building has to be minimized; the cafeteria is less than functional; and the gift shop, poorly located. The out-reach program can be expanded upon to send more exhibits throughout the province and to the world. The digital infrastructure can be expanded and improved upon to allow greater access. Other steps can be taken to enhance its reputation as a treasure trove of world class collections and employer of world-class archival specialists.
The Archives building is inadequate and not earth-quake safe and will be rebuilt elsewhere. It may be replaced with a lecture hall.
Everything is on the table and they want your input.
Mr. Lohman's goal is to have the overall rebranding, re-invigorating, renovating done by Canada's 150th birthday in 2017. Very fitting for a centennial year project.