1995-1996: An Excellent Year for the Canadian Museum of Civilization CorporationHull, Quebec, August 26, 1996 — The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC), which includes the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) and the Canadian War Museum (CWM), on August 21 tabled its 1995- 1996 annual report, in which it announced a 6.5% increase in attendance over the previous year (1,536,621 visitors to the CMC and the CWM), together with the largest increase in earned revenue it has ever recorded: a 17% increase for a total of $9,267,000.
In his message, CMCC President and Chief Executive Officer George F. MacDonald calls the past year "exhilarating." Dr. MacDonald attributes the success to many achievements, notably the "several outstanding exhibitions presented this year, including a dazzling exhibition from the Graz armoury in Austria entitled Imperial Austria: Treasures of Art, Arms and Armor from the State of Styria." Other highlights of the year include the inauguration of the Japanese Zen Garden, the exhibition The Doukhobors: Spirit Wrestlers and the art installation by Edward Poitras that represented Canada at the Venice Biennale. Thus, "despite the difficult economic situation that cultural institutions are currently faced with, the Corporation has maintained high standards in its traditional areas of activity," notes Dr. MacDonald.
Furthermore, the CMC was able to continue its development by expanding its exhibition space. The new areas in the First Peoples Hall add 4,000 square metres of exhibition space, and a new partner, Canadian Pacific, has brought the Canada Hall one step closer to completion. The popularity of the Children's Museum reached an all-time high, with 298,842 entries recorded in 1995. Moreover, the Children's Museum welcomed its two millionth visitor this year.
The CMC has also forged ahead in the world of multimedia. "The CMCC's web site allows us to offer global audiences an enormous array of museological information and has welcomed more than 700,000 visitors during this fiscal year," explains Dr. MacDonald. The Museum has produced and marketed several compact discs and CD-ROMs as well.
Fifty years ago, the War ended: the Canadian War Museum remembers
In 1995, the CWM commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with its fascinating Victory exhibition. May 1995 was marked by several moving celebrations, including an air show, military parades and reunions. Friends of the CWM also launched a major national subscription campaign, Passing the Torch.
New exhibition areas on the post-war period, the Korean War and Canadian military heroes were added this year, and funding was found to complete the gallery on Canada's Peacekeepers, which opened to the public in June.
More than ever, the CMCC symbolizes Canadian unity and Canadian diversity for the years to come. This is "what this institution is about: a museum for the people, and a place where they can feel and express what it means to be Canadian," concludes George F. MacDonald in his message.
Please note that a condensed version of the annual report will be in the Virtual Museum on the CMCC's web site in mid-September.
Information (media):
Media Relations Officer: (819) 776-7169
Senior Media Relations Officer: (819) 776-7167
Fax: (819) 776-7187
|
|
