Meltdown! Oceans React to Global Warming – Feature Exhibit Opens May 2
The curatorial department is very busy this spring preparing for the installation of our new exhibit on climate change and its impact on the oceans and the Arctic. This new Vancouver Maritime Museum exhibit will focus specifically on changing marine ecosystems and will tackle topics such as ocean acidification, ocean warming, sea level rise and the uncertain future of Pacific salmon stocks. The exhibit will also present information and engaging displays on the changing Arctic that will address the issue of Canadian sovereignty over a melting Northwest Passage.
Curator Guy Mathias is delighted to be working on an exhibit that utilizes diverse components of the collections, many of which have never been on display. This includes beautiful builder's models such as the Soviet icebreaker, Ermak, marine engine models and rarely seen images of early steam and coal fired vessels. “This is the most compelling story I have ever worked on,” says curator, Guy Mathias. “It seems to me, the general population desperately needs to become better informed on the issue of burning fossil fuels and this exhibit will provide the fundamentals to understanding the problem of greenhouse gases. It will provide the basics and encourage visitors to consider changes to their thinking and ultimately their behaviour."
With the help of Museum team members, Karl Hardin and Ingo Breig, the department will stage a stimulating exhibit that is compelling, provocative and transformative. The exhibit opens to the public on May 2. We hope you will join us on Saturday, June 7 for a special day of activities to celebrate our maritime environment.
Chart Attack!
Stories of BC's coast and beyond as told by the nautical charts of the Maritime Museum
The Teekay Gallery now features an exhibit of rare and fascinating antique nautical charts from the Museum’s collection. The charts literally ‘map out’ the history of BC and tell the story of British Columbia and the Arctic and the role of charts in the history of the province. Through the stories of those that charted our waterways, the vessels they used and the nautical charts produced, visitors learn about the rich maritime heritage of the province and how charts have been used for political and tactical purposes, in warfare, settlement and sovereignty.
Cruising the Pacific North West
The thrill of cruising through fjords, glaciers, and along the narrow and spectacular Inside Passage that connects Washington, British Columbia, the Yukon and Alaska has added the allure and fascination of the Pacific Northwest for over a century. It is now one of the world's most popular cruise ship destination.
In this website, you can navigate the Inside Passage's incredible history and natural wonders, visit its communities and learn more about amazing ships that cruise these waters. Welcome Aboard!
News and Updates
Take a look at some of our best-kept secrets, the hidden treasures from the vaults that lie deep beneath the galleries. In this new exhibit, Tales from the Vault: Incredible Treasures and Stories from the Maritime Museum’s Collections you will see the flag from a doomed Arctic expedition, the secrets of a ship engaged in the dangerous business of rum-running, and remnants of the ill-fated Titanic. We hope you enjoy the treasures and their incredible stories.
