The Delta Museum will be closing its doors at the end of this month.
But don't worry, it's only temporary as the museum begins preparations to vacate its longtime Ladner Village premises that will undergo major renovations this year.
The municipality will commence a $2.5 million upgrade on the historic Delta Street building, which includes tearing down the old archives annex at the back, after the museum's final permitted day of occupancy this July.
The museum will be closed for the remainder of the year and won't be returning to the former municipal hall building where it's been located since the late 1960s.
Where it's moving to is another matter that still has to be worked out, but assurances have been given a home will be found.
Noting a proper location to store all materials still needs to be secured, museum executive director Gabrielle Martin said they need to close at the end of this month because the move will be a big task.
And although the museum will be closed for the rest 2016, that doesn't mean operations will cease.
"Once the move is over, and that's our focus until the end of July, we will continue to do our outreach work. So programming, school programming, we will endeavor to keep as much going as we can in outreach facilities," said Martin "The museum itself will be closed to the public, but the programming will keep going, probably in a somewhat limited fashion, as much as we can."
The museum is still working with Delta's parks, recreation and culture department to secure a new, permanent home, she added.
Coun. Sylvia Bishop, vice-chair of Delta's heritage commission, agreed they are working hard to find the best solution.
"I would like to see a museum that is easily accessible, with space which would allow for a variety of ever-changing displays both static and interactive. Many museums worldwide are adapting to a format which invites visitors to engage with displays rather than merely stand to look at them," Bishop said.
Although all parties are being tight-lipped about possible new locations for the museum, one that might be on the list is the former courthouse next to the new archives in the civic precinct.
Late last year, Delta council approved spending $185,000 for architectural and engineering services to plan for the renovation of the upper floor of the Clarence Taylor Crescent building.
The upper floor is now vacant while the lower floor is being used by the Delta Police Department. The police force requires additional space and wants to relocate to the upper floor, which would leave the lower floor available.
Extensive remodeling work would be required on both floors The museum is holding a final open house and tour on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit deltamuseum. ca.
