Royal Alberta Museum reaches major construction milestone

– GOA photo

by Morinville News Staff

Although it will not open until late next year, the federal and provincial governments are marking a significant milestone on the new Royal Alberta Museum, which began in downtown Edmonton in 2013, employing several thousand workers.

The $375.5 million museum price tag includes construction of the facility as well as gallery and exhibit development. Of that amount, the province provided $253 million; the federal government the remaining $122.5 million.

Although building construction is complete, work continues inside ahead of the move into the facility and the expected grand opening in late 2017.

Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, said cultural institutions like the Edmonton’s Royal Alberta Museum play a key role in developing communities that celebrate Canada’s diverse heritage and creativity.

“Museums bring people together, sparking curiosity, encouraging tourism, and connecting community members,” he said.

Randy Boissonnault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre believes the new museum will be a landmark attraction in Edmonton’s downtown arts district.

“People will travel from near and far to learn about Alberta’s heritage and the stories of this great province – its land, its animals and its people,” he said. “Infrastructure projects like this one are key to ensuring that Edmonton will remain among the best places in the world to live, work, and raise a family.”

The government says the new Royal Alberta Museum will “embody the story of Alberta, preserving experiences of its people and places and inspiring Albertans and visitors to explore and understand the world around them.”

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