The ATCO Group of Companies is donating $1 million for a new learning centre at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, the largest-ever contribution to the museum.
This represents the first major expansion in the museum’s 17-year history.
The partnership between ATCO Group and the Province of Alberta will enable the ATCO Tyrrell Learning Centre to expand the museum’s education programs on Alberta’s ancient history and famous dinosaur past.
“In the future, staff will be able to deliver hands-on and engaging programs to students in one room, offer new interactive opportunities for museum visitors in another, and have a Tyrrell scientist delivering an online lecture to university students – all simultaneously,” said Alberta Minister of Community Development Gene Zwozdesky.
Located adjacent to the existing museum, the centre is scheduled to open in the spring of 2003. The 16,500-square-foot centre will include three learning zones, a hands-on workshop, a distant learning studio and an innovative outdoor interpretive area.
The province has provided $2.5 million of the project’s estimated $5-million cost through its Centennial Legacy Fund.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is recognized for its paleontological research, displays and interpretive programs depicting ancient Alberta. The museum attracts approximately 400,000 visitors annually.
ATCO Group is an Alberta-based corporation with a group of companies engaged in power generation, utilities, logistics and energy services.
