Celebrate opening weekend at Guelph Civic Museum

All invited to enjoy free admission and behind-the-scenes tours February 24 to 26

GUELPH, Ontario, February 14, 2012 – The new Guelph Civic Museum is rolling out the welcome mat on its opening weekend February 24 to 26, inviting the public to open houses that include behind-the-scenes tours of collections storage areas. The Museum will be open on Friday, February 24 from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free on opening weekend.

At 30,000 square feet, the new Civic Museum is more than twice the size of the former Dublin Street location. It features a much larger, interactive children's gallery; temporary and permanent exhibits; a research room; an archives room; and ample storage for the museum's collection. Located in the renovated Loretto Convent next to the Church of Our Lady, the Civic Museum gives new life to a prominent 1850s heritage building that was once threatened with demolition.

"We're proud to have achieved our vision for the new Guelph Civic Museum, by creating an inviting and beautiful space for people to explore this city's fascinating history," said Katherine McCracken, Director of Guelph Museums. "Opening weekend will be a unique opportunity for the community to get a behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable building and the Museum's collections."

The new Guelph Civic Museum is located at 52 Norfolk Street. Free parking is available at the museum, and overflow parking will be available in the Church of Our Lady parking lot for grand opening weekend. The entrance to the parking lot is off Cork Street.

Following the official opening weekend, the Civic Museum's regular hours will be 1-5 p.m. daily, and admission prices will be $4 for adults; $3 for seniors, students, and children; and $10 per family.

For more information, visit guelph.ca/museum or call the museum at 519-836-1221.