In the heart of Downtown Kitchener you can find a museum that fuels creative thinking and innovation. This museum, simply called THEMUSEUM – one word, uppercase – has proven its ability to showcase global content that awes, inspires and enlightens visitors of all ages.
The physical building that houses THEMUSEUM has been around for decades and preserves an important piece of Kitchener’s history – Goudies Department Store – which was a popular retailer throughout most of the 1900s. After Goudies closed in the late 1980s, the building was abandoned until a massive fundraising campaign saw it renovated and revitalized in 2003.
In 2003, it reopened as The Waterloo Regional Children’s Museum, which remained until 2010. In 2010 the space was rebranded into what it is today: THEMUSEUM. The rebranding process, albeit happening over five years ago, still causes confusion: many visitors are under the impression that THEMUSEUM is strictly geared towards children.
However, that is not the case. While children and families remain a main focus of public programming and exhibitions, THEMUSEUM operates under four unique pillars that help push its brand: Family Experience, Exhibitions, Community Stage and Museum After Dark.
These four pillars help cater THEMUSEUM's brand to a wide range of visitors: children, teenagers, adults and seniors are all welcome. The goal is to offer something for everyone and create a communal space where everyone is able to celebrate art, science and technology at play.
Family Experience
THEMUSEUM has always been known as a family-friendly museum, and this value remains at its core. The first and second floors remain geared towards families, and public programs for children and families are offered on a daily basis.
Exhibitions
THEMUSEUM sees itself as a un-museum: there are no permanent collections. Rather, the third and fourth floors transform every four to six months to host world-class, travelling exhibitions for visitors of all ages. From Dinosaurs | The Edge of Extinction to Unwrapping Egypt, ADD COLOUR | A Yoko Ono Exhibit to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and more, there’s something for everyone.
Community Stage
THEMUSEUM plays an integral part within the larger Waterloo Region community, and, on a smaller level, within the immediate arts and culture community. The Community Stage hosts annual art events, such as the Brush Off, which connects local artists; it also hosts third-party events, such as Taco Fest, which is an annual fundraiser for Meals on Wheels. THEMUSEUM connects all members, groups and organizations throughout its communities, fosters partnerships, and is continually growing through new collaborations.
Museum After Dark
Have you ever wanted to attend a party with dinosaurs? At THEMUSEUM, you can! Throughout the year THEMUSEUM partners with local groups and organizations to present unique events unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Have your own unique ideas? THEMUSEUM also rents out its space for weddings, proms, corporate events and more, so you can plan your own night at THEMUSEUM.
Over the years, THEMUSEUM’s brand has grown and expanded, but its dedication to its mission and vision has remained. This summer, you can come explore the Summer of Discovery featuring Dinosaurs | The Edge of Extinction, which is sure to awe, inspire and enlighten visitors of all ages.
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