The University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology (MOA) announced today that it will grow by 50 per cent in an expansion that is part of a $52-million project.
The project, entitled “A Partnership of Peoples,” will begin construction this month and will be completed by spring 2009. MOA will expand from its current 79,900 sq. ft., gaining 48,800 sq. ft. of additional new space.
“I’m delighted that this renewal project will allow one of Canada’s foremost museums to extend its role as a public and research institution,” says UBC President Martha Piper.
“The Museum of Anthropology is internationally renowned for its Pacific Northwest Coast collection, its stunning architecture and its commitment to meaningful collaboration with the communities it serves,” says Dr. Piper. “The planned expansion will enable the Museum to play an even greater role in the preservation and dissemination of our cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.”
The project also includes the creation of the Reciprocal Research Network (RRN). This will be the world’s first web-based system for the exchange of collections information, and is being co-developed with the Musqueam Indian Band, Sto:lo Nation, and U’mista Cultural Society in Alert Bay, B.C.
The federal government, through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), and the provincial government, through the British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund, each contributed $17.2 million in funding. The University has committed the remaining funds for the project.
“We applaud the MOA for its innovation in the areas of research and exhibition,” said Dr. Eliot Phillipson, President and CEO of the CFI. “This great new facility will ensure that people both within and beyond B.C. can strengthen their links with the past and carry this vital cultural knowledge into the future.”
“We’re very pleased the renewal project will create unprecedented opportunities for teaching and learning,” says Minister of Advanced Education Murray Coell. “This will further enhance MOA’s renown for its international collections, innovative exhibitions and spectacular west coast setting.”
The new facilities are being designed by Stantec Architecture and Arthur Erickson, who designed MOA 30 years ago. The physical expansion includes:
- A re-designed Research Centre showcasing 15,000 objects and offering opportunities to explore cultural diversity
- A new South Wing with state-of-the-art archaeology labs, a community research suite, open plan offices, and Library and Information Centre
- A new, 5,800 sq. ft. Major Exhibit Gallery and multi-purpose public programming areas
- A revitalized lobby, expanded gift shop and rental facilities, and a new Museum Café
NB: Digital photos of MOA’s expansion plans are available. Please contact Jennifer Webb at 604.822.5950 or visit the MOA website at www.moa.ubc.ca/renewal.
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The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.
The British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) is designed to help universities, colleges and hospitals build and enhance research facilities and infrastructure. The fund contributes to building or enhancing an institution’s long-term capacity for leading-edge research, provincial economic development and job creation.
