Museum of North Vancouver is ready to welcome the world
When it opens on December 4, the new Museum will be a welcoming experience for all ages and cultures
When it opens on December 4, the new Museum will be a welcoming experience for all ages and cultures
The Museum’s Connections Gallery examines human stories, as well as social and physical connections. Photo: Alison Boulier
By Sandra Thomas
Sitting on a bench seat inside Streetcar 153, located in the lobby of MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, snippets of recorded conversation can be heard, specially scripted to take visitors straight back to 1912, when the streetcar travelled up and down what was then known as the “Lonsdale Line,” until 1946 when it was decommissioned and sold as scrap.
The interior of the streetcar, which was rescued from a farmer’s field in Chilliwack, has been immaculately restored and recreated, right down to beautiful replicas of ads that may once have lined the wooden panels above the windows.
The restored electric Streetcar 153 anchors the new Museum of North Vancouver’s lobby. Photo: Alison Boulier
Also front and centre in the lobby is the newly installed Sch’ich’iyuy (The Two Sisters) cedar wall panel by Indigenous carver Wade Baker, which welcomes visitors into the main gallery. This stunning piece signifies the extensive work and collaboration completed to date between MONOVA staff and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Səl̓ílwətaɬ Nations, evidence of which you’ll see throughout the Museum.
The new Museum builds on the long-established work of the Archives of North Vancouver in Lynn Valley to share the powerful stories of the community through high-quality exhibits in its permanent and feature galleries, mobile exhibits and education programs.
That said, the Museum is a fascinating treasure trove of not only well-known stories, such as the history of The Shipyards, but also lesser-known gems, including a tribute to trumpet player Joe Bustemente, who years ago would guide ferries to the North Shore in foggy weather by playing his trumpet.
Visitors will also find fascinating stories about everything from the role played by women during wartime to the renowned North Shore Rescue team, from the multicultural residents of the community to the photographs and stories of early climbers Don and Phyllis Munday, to the bright yellow Newtsuit, a groundbreaking invention by local scientist and deep-water explorer Phil Nuytten.
An Indigenous Welcome Circle showcases Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Səl̓ílwətaɬ stories and belongings. Photo: Alison Boulier
Of course, woven throughout the entire Museum are also the important stories, belongings, artwork and photographs of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Səl̓ílwətaɬ Nations, who have lived and thrived on the North Shore for generations — long before Streetcar 153 ran the Lonsdale Line.
The Welcome Circle near the entrance is remarkable in its complexity and ability to acknowledge a challenging past, appreciate the collaborations of the present, and look forward to the future. An intimate section includes photos and poignant stories of resilience from survivors of residential schools.
The Gift Shop features finely crafted, thoughtful and informative gifts with a distinct local flavour. Photo: Alison Boulier
Here’s what we have planned for opening day at the Museum of North Vancouver. Admission will be free all day long, so be sure to stop by!
The Museum will be open Thursday to Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm during the winter months. Photo: Alison Boulier
Sandra Thomas is a journalist and freelance writer, editor and travel writer from Vancouver.
Your donations to the Friends of the NVMA Society support thought-provoking programs and exhibits that promote our community values of inclusiveness, relevance, creativity, and engagement, and help MONOVA to bring stories to life for North Vancouver residents and visitors.
Donations are accepted through the Friends of the North Vancouver Museum & Archives Society, Registered Charity No. 89031 1772 RR0001.
115 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, V7M 0G7
T: 604-990-3700
E: info@monova.ca
SUMMER HOURS
Wed | 10AM – 5PM
Thu | 10AM – 8PM (Open ’til late)
Fri | 10AM – 5PM
Sat | 10AM – 5PM
Sun | 10AM – 5PM
3203 Institute Road
North Vancouver, V7K 3E5
T: 604-990-3700 (ext.8102)
E: archives@monova.ca
OPENING HOURS
Mon
12:30PM – 4:30PM (Drop-in)
Tue – Fri
12:30PM – 4:30PM (By appointment)
We respectfully acknowledge that MONOVA: Museum & Archives of North Vancouver is located on the traditional lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, whose ancestors have lived here for countless generations. We are grateful to live, work and learn with them on unceded Coast Salish Territory.