The Exploration Place Board of Trustees, along with the Centre’s Management, have decided not to reopen the facility until early next year.
At a June 30th meeting, the group decided an extended closure would be best for the health and welfare of the community and will use the time to renovate the centre.
“Truth be told we’ve never actually stopped delivering our world-class programming,” said Tracy Calogheros, CEO, continuing: “our pivot to online was almost instantaneous.”
Several new changes are planned alongside the renovation, including a large, indoor botanical Palaeo-Garden and a major expansion to the museum’s Animal Ambassador Program and Biome.
The expansion will explore climate, evolution, and the tools of history that could inform the future.
Ted Williams History Hall will also be reconfigured, with more room for in-house exhibits.
Additionally, there will be a new space to showcase indigenous material culture and traditional ways of knowing.
The Early Explorers Preschool and Fort George Explorers After School Care Programs will not be available this fall.
Finally, the facility will begin a fundraising campaign to secure the money necessary for the improvements.
The museum’s gift shop will remain open for curbside pick-up.