Museums Are Even Funner This Week

Over the past year, a few people have pointed out the perceived oxymoron in the title of this column. “Museums are not fun,” they say.

But, it’s true, just like shrimp can be jumbo, museums have gone to great lengths to ensure that visitors actually have fun during their visits.

What better time to prove to you just how fun museums can be than during Yukon Museums Week?

Whitehorse and community museums will be joining in the celebrations around the world by declaring May 18 to 24 as Museums Week in the Yukon. At a time when many Yukon museums are just opening their doors for the season, a variety of events and activities have been organized to celebrate the occasion.

International Museums Day was declared by the International Council of Museums and has been celebrated on or around May 18 since 1977 as it believes, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, co-operation and peace among peoples.”

It is with this line of thinking that Yukon museums have begun planning their events.

A range of events will be taking place throughout the week at the various venues. There is sure to be something from everyone, be it the aspiring archaeologist wishing to take part in a real dig, the art fans wanting to see the latest exhibit opening at the Yukon Public Art Gallery or the history buff who has been waiting to see what the new MacBride Museum galleries will have on display.

Do not feel as if you have to be in Whitehorse to take part in the celebrations though. If you happen to be in Keno, be sure to stop by the Keno City Mining Museum and peruse the exhibits free of charge on May 18.

Or while in Dawson City for the Gold Show, take some time out of your busy weekend to duck into the Dawson City Museum to seek a little more history and really begin to understand the impact that gold had on the community. You’ll be amazed what you find out.

So get out and experience for yourself how much fun museums really can be. A detailed list of events taking place during Yukon Museums Week is available on Page 20.

All 18 Yukon Heritage Attractions will be opening their doors for the summer at the end of May and early June. These include museums, art galleries, interpretive centres and First Nation Cultural Centres.

They are located in 10 Yukon communities and portray a vast array of histories and cultures and are all waiting to be explored. Stay tuned to Museums are Funthis summer for more event and program information.

This column is provided by the Yukon Historical & Museums Association.

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