May is Museum Month and to celebrate, the Oil Museum of Canada is offering rare behind-the-scenes tours.
"We just recently completed a renovation of our collection storage area. This is much needed after years of things being packed away in boxes and just kind of things on top of each other. So the tours are going to take a look at the new storage space. So it's an opportunity for us to highlight how we store the collection, talk a little bit about museum conservation, kind of why we do what we do," said Oil Museum Curator Supervisor Meagan Sinclair. "Also, to feature some of the artifacts that aren't regularly on display. I know everyone is always keen to get a look at the behind-the-scenes of the museum."
The guided tours offer a rare opportunity to visit the museum’s new storage area, and visitors will learn how artifacts are carefully organized, preserved, and protected. Participants will also get a closer look at artifacts not currently on public display.
"I'm going to be working with our collections coordinator to figure out some of those rare items that aren't always on display. I would imagine there are some more fragile objects that, you know, (aren't) out in the light and out in the public all the time. It would be a conservation issue. So those things are packed away," said Sinclair.
Tours are 40 minutes in length and will be offered at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. throughout the month of May.
"It's also an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the objects. To highlight some of the special stories of some of these objects that are behind the scenes that don't necessarily make it out onto display regularly," she said. "We welcome all ages, young and old. The only thing would be that our collection storage area is located downstairs, so there is no ramp access or elevator access."
Registration is required for the tours, you can sign up on their website. Regular admission costs do apply.
