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With an eye to the future, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) is cleared for takeoff.
After three years of planning and construction, the new museum is slated to open its doors to the public on May 21, 2022.
Many of the aircraft and artifacts displayed in the state-of-the-art 86,000 square-foot building will be familiar, but there are also some exciting new differences.
A focus on storytelling, the contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian aviation history, and a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation are front and centre.
“The aircraft on display in our museum represent the rich history of Canadian aviation and the wealth of stories that accompanies it,” explains President and CEO Terry Slobodian. “We’re excited to be able to tell those stories in the new Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.
Visitors will discover an immersive and engaging experience as they journey throughout the meticulously curated exhibits, including stunning videos produced by Centric Productions and Foundation Films throughout the museum. Visitors will also notice a dynamic soundscape throughout the museum, courtesy of PSB Integration.
In addition to the stunning exhibit space, the museum includes a Galaxy Exploration Zone play area for children, an observation lounge overlooking the airport runways, meeting spaces, a new boutique giftshop, and more.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without generous public and private sector support including $10M each from the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba and more than $22.5M from private and corporate donors.
“On behalf of all Manitobans, I want to congratulate RAMWC’s team and board, and their donors and dedicated volunteers as they ‘take off’ on this new chapter in their new state-of-the-art facility that is sure to be a must-see tourist destination for generations to come,” says Premier Heather Stefanson. “With enhanced exhibits and visitor experiences, the RAMWC will continue to be a place to gather and celebrate, learn and reflect, and I look forward to seeing the unique ways RAMWC will share the diverse stories of Canadian aviation to Manitobans and visitors from around the world.”
“We’re so thankful for the generous support we’ve received from our federal, provincial and municipal governments,” notes Slobodian. “We would not be able to fulfill our mission to educate, inspire, and entertain without their contributions, and those of our community.”
To celebrate this exciting new addition to Winnipeg’s impressive collection of museums, RAMWC will be hosting a private grand opening ceremony on May 19 for those who have helped make this dream a reality. The scheduled program includes opening remarks from Her Honour The Honourable Janice C. Filmon. Also slated to appear are Premier Heather Stefanson, Mayor Brian Bowman, and others.
The event will also include an Indigenous blessing from Elder Carl Stone and Dr. Niigaan Sinclair and entertainment from the Royal Canadian Air Force Band.
The museum opens to the public on May 21, 2022. Hours will be 10 AM to 5 PM daily. Annual passes and single-entry tickets are now available at royalaviationmuseum.com.
WHEN
Ceremony to take place Thursday, May 19, beginning at 10:00 am.
WHERE
The celebration will take place in the museum’s new home: 2088 Wellington Avenue at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.
Members of the media are welcome to attend this event. CEO Terry Slobodian will be available for comment after the ceremony.
This press release was prepared and distributed by the RAMWC
