Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 4/3/2015 (2026 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A $5.3-million expansion to the Manitoba Museum will soon break ground.

In an announcement today, federal Canadian Heritage Minister Shelley Glover said the expansion will nearly double the size of the museum's Alloway Hall.

"We are proud to support the renovation and expansion of Alloway Hall so that Manitobans can continue to enjoy world-class exhibits."

The federal government is contributing $1 million, the provincial government $3.8 million and the Winnipeg Foundation $500,000.

J.TRENHOLM / THE MANITOBA MUSEUM An artist's rendering of the expansion of Alloway Hall.

The expansion of the hall will see the space increase to more than 9,700 square feet.

"The expansion of Alloway Hall is a very exciting step for our museum, which will allow us to bring in the biggest and best travelling exhibits from around the world," said Claudette Leclerc, executive director of the Manitoba Museum. "The success of past exhibits such as Dinosaurs Unearthed, Real Pirates and Wrapped: The Mummy of Pesed have been a tipping point for the museum. Together with Alloway World Exhibits Fund and our strategic partnerships, we believe a new, enlarged exhibition space is a major part of building an exciting and bold future for the Manitoba Museum."

The improvements to the main exhibition gallery will also include upgrades to the heating and air conditioning system, the replacement of acoustical ceiling tiles and installation of terrazzo floors, a new theatrical lighting system, a new sound system and new security cameras.

The majority of the renovation and expansion work of Alloway Hall is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

Kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca