Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation - 2006–2007 Annual Report: A Record of AchievementGatineau, Quebec, October 18, 2007 — Acclaimed exhibitions, milestone celebrations and a new fundraising initiative are among the highlights of the past fiscal year at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Canadian War Museum. Details are provided in the 2006–2007 Annual Report of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, tabled yesterday in Parliament. The Corporation manages the two museums on behalf of all Canadians.
The report also notes that the museums retained their status as the most visited in the country, attracting a combined total of 1.8 million people. Survey results suggest an overall visitor satisfaction rate in 2006–2007 of 95 percent.
"We are proud to present this record of achievement to Parliament and the people of Canada," said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. "We enjoyed solid contributions from every quarter within the Corporation, and tremendous support from our Canadian and foreign visitors. I look forward to building on that momentum as we pursue the opportunities — and confront the challenges — that lie ahead."
The new chair of the Corporation's board of trustees, Fredrik S. Eaton, offered congratulations to management and staff for their many successes in 2006–2007: "I am especially pleased to note the many steps that were taken with an eye to the future, such as the launch of the National Collection Fund. Those initiatives will help the museums fulfill their essential mandate: to preserve, study and promote the history and culture of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations."
The Corporation launched the National Collection Fund in 2006 to help its two museums acquire artifacts of national significance that would otherwise be lost to our national heritage. Supported by individual and corporate donations, the Fund has already made an important contribution to heritage preservation. The first major fundraising activity on its behalf was the 2006 Civilization Costume Ball: A Journey through Time.
While the Corporation remains on a sound financial footing, the report notes that both museums face significant financial pressures from a variety of sources, ranging from the rising cost of building maintenance to soaring municipal tax assessments. It reiterates the Corporation's request for a more adequate capital base.
2006–2007 Highlights
- The Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) attracted over 1.3 million visitors, while the Canadian War Museum (CWM) drew 477,000. In February 2007, the new CWM welcomed its one millionth visitor.
- On-site commercial activities generated $13 million.
- Three special exhibitions opened at the CMC last year: PETRA: Lost City of Stone, UNIQUE! 30 Years of Outstanding Crafts and MASTERS of the Plains: Ancient Nomads of Russia and Canada. The CWM launched Afghanistan: A Glimpse of War, Canada under Attack: The Battle of the St. Lawrence (1942–1944) and Clash of Empires: The War that Made Canada, 1754–1763.
- A total of seven special exhibitions were on view at the CMC, and 11 travelling exhibitions were circulated to 22 venues, reaching about 364,000 visitors.
- In 2006, the CMC celebrated its 150th anniversary with a wide range of events and projects. Among them were an open house, the installation of a giant mural on the façade of the curatorial wing, an exhibition chronicling the Museum's rich history and the creation of the National Collection Fund.
- The Corporation acquired more than 1,300 artifacts and specimens. Among the major acquisitions are six items from the Dundas Collection of Northwest Coast American Indian Art (CMC) and the First World War medals of Viscount Byng of Vimy (CWM).
- The number of visitors to the IMAX® Theatre continued to grow, reaching 372,000 last year.
- Corporate membership also rose: 4,500 household members, representing 16,000 individuals. Membership has increased by 92 percent over the past five years.
The Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation annual reports are available from the Corporation's Web site at http://www.civilization.ca/societe/rapporte.html
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7167
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7169
Fax: 819 776-7187
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