Museums in the Yukon are becoming more than just a one-time stop over for many visitors and Yukoners.
The variety of programs and services offered by our local museums keep people coming back for more and the museums continue to deliver memorable events and opportunities.
You may often see full parking lots outside of the Transportation Museum or the Beringia Interpretive Centre and wonder to yourself, “What am I missing?”
The truth is museums have become a popular backdrop for special occasions and events such as hosting meetings, film festivals, receptions and even at times the occasional wedding.
No matter what the event, museums will often provide you with the space and ambiance required to make your occasion a success. With the opening of the MacBride Museum of Yukon History’s new expansion, courtyard and refurbished lower gallery, the opportunities to host your event are endless.
Of particular note, the Yukon’s Modern History Gallery features a functioning saloon circa 1898. Your guests can saddle up to the bar and get a taste of life in the old days.
The Yukon Transportation Museum has over 15,000 square feet of exhibit space that can provide a colourful backdrop to your event. The Bush Pilot Room is perfect for meetings and will delight the aviator aficionados in your group.
I once attended a 1940s-themed wedding reception where the setting provided the perfect opportunity to get lost in the era and have a swingin’ good time.
The Beringia Interpretive Centre’s 200-seat theatre can be a venue for lectures and seminars or you can use the main hall to host dinners and receptions with a unique ice age theme surrounding your guests.
Outside, the courtyard could provide for a sheltered barbecue. The Centre’s staff would be more than willing to set up an atl atl demonstration to give your guests a sense of what it would have been like to have had to catch their own meat for the grill.
Regardless what event or meetings you are trying to put together, consider your local museum, interpretive or cultural centre as a fun and memorable part of your guests’ experience. The staff can help you plan the logistics and even give you the heads up on a variety of caterers to suit your needs.
This column is provided by the Yukon Historical & Museums Association.
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