Following a 30 million dollar renovation over six months Canada’s Pier 21 immigration museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been officially reopened today.
Although a “soft” opening began last month, today many dignitaries were on hand at the official ceremony with the unveiling of the Canadian Immigration Hall, a new exhibition showcasing the vast contributions of newcomers to Canada’s culture, economy and way of life, from past to present day. The reimagined Rudolph P. Bratty Hall explores Pier 21’s rich history as an immigration facility from 1928 to 1971, while Canadian Immigration Hall expands beyond the Pier 21 years to explore the broader story of immigration to Canada.
Exhibits include a train car that took people from Halifax to the rest of Canada, the cramped cabin of an ocean liner and a packed crate like the type Dutch immigrants used to bring over their entire households — including the kitchen sink .
The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages said, “Pier 21’s new permanent exhibition will show the tremendous contributions immigrants have made to Canada’s culture, economy and way of life over the past 400 years. As we get closer to the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that has made Canada a strong, proud and free country that attracts immigrants from all over the world.”
The museum covers the period from 1928 to 1971 when Pier 21 was the main entranceway to a new Canadian life for over a million immigrants. The newly expanded area continues the story of immigration up to the present day.
Quick Facts
Pier 21, National Historic Site, was the gateway to Canada for almost one million immigrants between 1928 and 1971. It also served as the departure point for about 368,000 Canadian military personnel during the Second World War.
The Government of Canada officially opened the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Canada’s sixth national museum and only the second located outside of the National Capital Region, in February 2011.
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21’s capital and thematic expansion represents a $30 million investment. The Museum has doubled its size and now includes two permanent exhibitions as well as new rental space.
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