Director Wesley A. Wenhardt with Shawn Macleod, Site Superintendent of Chandos at the new Museum of North Vancouver in September 2020. Photo: Alison Boulier

Without a doubt, 2021 is going to be a big year for MONOVA. Over the past few years, we’ve been hard at work developing North Vancouver’s newest cultural amenity — the Museum of North Vancouver — and we’re getting very close to being able to open the doors and invite the community in.

Despite COVID-19 delays and adjustments, this brand new 16,000 ft2 facility will open later this spring and provide a new venue for interactive exhibitions, innovative community programming and public gatherings (when it’s safe to do so).

From Construction to Exhibit Installation and Program Development

We’re excited to be thinking less about drywall and flooring, and more about our opening weekend programs and events. Streetcar 153 is still under wraps, but not for much longer. Programs staff are working with Museum Theatre Specialist Jen Boyes-Manseau and Young Canada Works Museum Theatre Intern Chantal Gallant, on interactive theatre performances that will entertain and educate visitors about the impact of the Streetcar on a wide range of North Vancouver residents.

Exhibit components that waited patiently in crates throughout the autumn are fast animating the spaces. Designed by the talented team at Kei Space Design and fabricated by 3DS, these exhibits will tell the stories of North Vancouver, blending physical artifacts with digital content, incorporating the senses of visitors of all ages. Staff are getting ready for the move and can’t wait to be working among the exhibits we’ve been looking at on paper for such a long time.

A rendering of MONOVA’s new permanent exhibit gallery. Exhibit installation is now currently underway in this space.

Exhibition Development Underway

The new Museum includes a gallery designed to host temporary exhibitions. This 1,152 square foot space meets Museum ‘Class A’ standards for climate control, enabling the Museum to borrow works of art, artifacts, and exhibits from other museums and private lenders.

Our exhibition program is being shaped by MONOVA staff alongside guest curators with specialized knowledge, researchers, and community engagement specialists, who will help develop local partnerships. Exhibits will change on a regular basis so repeat visitors will enjoy new experiences at the Museum.

We’re grateful for the support of foundations such as the Ames Family Foundation.

More details on our upcoming exhibits will be revealed in the coming months.

Bringing Stories To Life: Fundraising at MONOVA

Thanks to all our donors and supporters for their commitment to our “Bringing Stories To Life” campaign up to this point! We are almost 90% of the way to fulfilling our $1.5 million Comprehensive Campaign goal that will bring the artifacts and stories from our community to life.

A big thank you to the Ames Family Foundation who have donated to support MONOVA’s Sensory Friendly Programs!

The Ames Family Foundation supports programs that enhance the lives of children dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory processing disorders. Their support has enabled MONOVA to develop and deliver sensory friendly opening hours for children and families with ASD which will launch later this year.

We hope you will join us in supporting your community museum by making a gift today.