The City of Grande Prairie invites visitors from across the region to celebrate International Museum Day with free activities at three local museums on Sunday, May 21, 2023; the Grande Prairie Museum, Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum and Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre.

To celebrate the event, each facility is offering:

  • Free admission to each location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Free shuttle service between locations every 40 minutes between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule available for viewing at cityofgp.com/IMD2023.
  • Special feature exhibits at each location.
  • Scavenger hunt on May 21 with a prize for a randomly selected winner.
  • Free cake provided by New Horizon Co-op.
  • Food truck or concession stand at each location.

“We’re excited to continue partnering with local museums to bring an accessible and inclusive event to all members of the community,” said Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton.

“Museums play a key role in building better communities and we are proud to be an accessible and inclusive facility that helps our region's citizens learn about service, sacrifice, injustice and love,” said Renee Charbonneau, Collections Manager at Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre.

“The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum is pleased to participate in this partnership with regional museums. It reminds us that this region has a rich human and natural history,” said Linden Roberts, Executive Director at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.

“We’re proud to play such an important role in cultural connections and learning in our community and sharing that with the region at this International Museum Day event,” said Grande Prairie Museum Curator and Historical Resources Supervisor Charles Taws.

Feature Exhibits

Each participating museum has a feature exhibit on display for the community to enjoy during International Museum Day.

The Grande Prairie Museum’s current exhibit called Textile Tales features some of the best examples of textiles from the Peace Region through different blankets, clothing and more. The exhibit also features hands-on activities including ribbon weaving, table loom weaving, peg weaving and hand sewing.

The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum will feature a sneak peek of an upcoming exhibit called Dinosaurs Among Us and a walk up show where you can meet Mack the tortoise.

The Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre’s new display The Italian Campaign and the Battle of Ortona features The Loyal Edmonton Regiment, D Company Grande Prairie circa 1943.

Fifty-five soldiers from the Grande Prairie region were killed in action at the Battle of Ortona. The display includes maps, photos, videos and a slide show.

The Heritage Village at the Grande Prairie Museum opens for the season on May 21 at the International Museum Day event.

To learn more and stay up to date on event details, visit cityofgp.com/IMD2023.