2000-2001: A Year of Change, Innovation and Achievement at the Canadian Museum of Civilization CorporationHull, Quebec, August 23, 2001 — The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC) — comprised of the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) and the Canadian War Museum (CWM) — tabled its 2000–2001 annual report this week in the House of Commons. The report outlines the Corporation's challenges and achievements over the past year, in its role as Canada's national repository of human history.
"Over the past year," writes Chairman Dr. John English in his message, "the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation has been quietly solidifying its position as Canada's most-visited Museum, while preparing for some extraordinary challenges in the years to come. Chief among these challenges will be the building of a new Canadian War Museum; the completion and inauguration of the First Peoples Hall; and expanded electronic outreach."
Dr. English goes on to state that, "The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation is, first and foremost, designed to facilitate intercultural understanding and knowledge of Canada's human and military history. And, while it is important to maintain traditional practices, it is also important to remain evolutionary — ; and even revolutionary — ; in finding new ways to attract, enlighten and entertain our visitors."
Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Corporation explains the reasons for the Corporation's success. "The CMCC is distinguished in its research, the interpretation of complex ideas and information, design of exhibitions and service to visitors. For me, the Corporation combines a mini-university and a maxi-exhibition centre under the same roof, a dynamic centre of activity dedicated to spreading knowledge on the cultures of Canada and the world."
He goes on to note many of the past year's successes, including exhibitions such as India — The Living Arts and Canvas of War, each of which attracted approximately 300,000 visitors. "While these statistics are impressive," he adds, "it is important to remember that numbers are not the ultimate measure of success. The testimony of our visitors is an eloquent reminder of what authentic museum exhibits can communicate. The Canadian Museum of Civilization is today the most visited museum in the country. This is due to a number of factors, among which is our solid research."
Some of the Corporation's achievements this year include:- Attendance of 1.39 million at the Canadian Museum of Civilization; 127,500 visitors at the Canadian War Museum (a 7.6% increase over last year); and 17.4 million Web site accesses.
- $8.07 million in on-site revenues, surpassing the goal of $8.038 million.
- A cumulative total of $9.4 million raised from the private sector as of March 31, 2001, towards the $15-million goal set by the Passing the Torch campaign for exhibitions and programming in the new Canadian War Museum.
- Over $635,000 received in cash from various private donors and sponsors for CMC exhibitions and programmes, as well as generous in-kind gifts received by the Corporation.
- More than 50 research projects, ranging from archaeological digs on Baffin Island to onsite material history studies across Canada, and research into CMC and CWM collections.
- Numerous awards for excellence, including an Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Canadian Museums Association for Canvas of War: Masterpieces from the Canadian War Museum. The Canadian Museum of Civilization was also named Best Cultural Attraction in Quebec by Attractions Canada and, following year end, was named Best Cultural Attraction in Canada.
Addressing the Corporation's approach to museological innovation, Dr. English writes: "Museology has changed a great deal in the past years — and will no doubt continue to change as society itself is transformed in this information age. The most valuable job any museum can do is reflect the world as it was, is, and may soon become. In our presentation of past and present, we hope to provide visitors with a roadmap to their own histories, and a richer understanding of how interconnected a world it truly is."
The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation annual report is available from the Corporation's Web site at www.civilization.ca/societe/rapporte.html.
Information (media):
Media Relations Officer: (819) 776-7169
Senior Communications Officer: (819) 776-8386
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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