A rendering of the new Manitoba Museum Rupert Street entrance during the day, with a copper-coloured awning sheltering the entrance stairs and an updated ramp with a guard rail next to full glass walls and entrance door into the foyer.

Manitoba Museum Construction

Welcome to the Manitoba Museum’s dedicated page for construction updates.

In the summer of 2024, the Manitoba Museum set forth on an exciting journey of transformation, beginning with significant upgrades to our Rupert Avenue entrance, followed by a comprehensive renovation of our foyer later in the year.

This page will act as your go-to resource for the latest updates on these projects, providing valuable information for our visitors, school groups, and volunteers.

Explore below to find detailed information about our construction projects, understand their impact, and discover how these changes will enhance your experience at the Manitoba Museum.

A rendering of the new Manitoba Museum Rupert Avenue entrance during the evening, with a copper-coloured awning with skylights and lighting sheltering the entrance stairs and an updated ramp with a guard rail.

What’s Changing?

Improved Visitor Experience
  • Expanded Space: The renovated entrance will provide more room for visitors, making entry and exit smoother. 
  • Enhanced Accessibility: We are upgrading our entrance ramp to meet accessibility standards, ensuring that everyone can easily access the entrance with a smooth pathway. 
  • New Concrete Stairs: The entrance stairs will be replaced with new concrete ones, improving safety and aesthetics.  
  • Guardrails and Handrails: The installation of guardrails and handrails enhances safety, especially during inclement weather. Visitors will feel more secure while using the stairs or ramp.  
  • Prominent Signage and Lighting: Clear, well-lit signage will help guide visitors to the main entrance and Planetarium signage will be updated to direct the community to the downstairs concourse level. 
  • Safety Improvements: The upgrades will include enhanced lighting, non-slip surfaces, and improved emergency exits.  
  • Removal of Dark Locations: Dark corners and poorly lit areas will be eliminated, enhancing safety and aesthetics.  
  • New Lighting: Natural light streaming through skylights and halo lighting will create a welcoming atmosphere.  
  • New Doors and Windows: Upgraded doors and windows improve insulation, security, and aesthetics. 
Rupert Entrance Upgrades Timeline

Phases – Please watch for regular updates as this is subject to change. 

  • Start Date: September 2024
  • Exterior Completion Date: Summer 2026
  • Total Completion: Summer 2026
Museum Foyer Upgrades Timeline

Phases – Please watch for regular updates as this is subject to change. 

  • Start Date (Museum Shop Closure and Vestibule Demolition) – September 2024
  • Phase 1 completion: Summer 2026
  • Total completion: Summer 2026
A map displaying the Manitoba Museum from above with arrows directing pedestrians to the entrance on Main street.

Entry Location During Construction

During construction, the Rupert Avenue entrance will be closed, including the centre stairwell and ramps.

Visitors, staff, and volunteers will be redirected to the Main Street entrance. Look for the signs, follow the sidewalk markings, and watch for our friendly Museum Staff to guide you. 

Get ready for your next visit by watching our video with directions to the Main Street entrance. Click here to view.

We’ll be sharing photos and videos about the changes to the entrance, with behind-the-scenes glimpses. Check out our progress gallery:

Construction hoarding wall with two steel framed fire doors. One door, to the active construction zone is closed, while the other goes down to the open stairwell to reach the lower level of the Museum. Signage on the hoarding directs visitors in the direct of the stairwell or the Box Office.

Work on the east interior stairwell has finished and moved to the west stairwell. To access the lower level, visitors can use the elevator next to Festival Hall or use the reopened stairwell, as directed by on-site signage (the door on the right in this image). May 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum

A white-clad long, low desk in front of a stone wall with white shelving units at the base in the Museum Foyer. Above the shelving units is a panel of eight digital screens.

Progress on the new Box Office desk continues, with the desk constructed and the digital screens installed on the wall behind. April 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking into a darkly painted room lined with upper shelves and hanger rods.

Construction of the new coat room adjacent to the Foyer continues, with a coat of paint, and installation of shelving and rods. April 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking up through a circular framed skylight to a lightly clouded sky through a transparent blue material. The skylight is lined with copper cladding around the interior.

The new copper cladding extends into the Rupert Ave. awning skylights, ready for glass installation. April 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum.

Along the left, cables sticking out of copper cladding art regular intervals. Scaffolding and tarpaulin barriers on the right.

Electrical has been wired into the front of the awning in preparation for the installation of the Museum sign on the new Rupert Ave. entrance. April 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum

Shining copper cladding lining the side of an awning under a lightly-clouded blue sky.

Copper cladding panels have been installed on the exterior awning for the new Rupert Ave. entrance. April 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum

Metal framework of a long low desk in front of a stone wall in the Museum Foyer. Red caution tape creates a perimeter.

Framework going in for the new Box Office desk in the Museum Foyer. February 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking up at a highlight light embedded in the ceiling, pointing towards a inset display frame with information about the Manitoba Museum's Indigenous Complimentary Admission.

New lights have been installed in the new ceiling above the display frames next to both entrances to Alloway Hall. February 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum

Metal framing over what will be the main entry-way. At the end is a orange-tarped area with a single door leading to the construction site.

The vestibule at the Rupert Ave entrance is construction with new framework in place. The east stairwell down to the Concourse is boarded up while work continues. February 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking up through a circular wooden framed skylight to a blue sky. An individual walks past above wearing a yellow high-vis jacket.

Work continues on the construction of the Rupert Ave entrance awning and the skylights. February 2026. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking up at a metal framed surface. A circle has been cut out and if covered by wooden boards.

Holes have been cut for the skylights in the exterior awning for the new Rupert Ave. entrance. December 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Construction site set up in the north half of the Manitoba Museum foyer. The exterior wall is of large glass windows with a blue protective covering on them, and temporary wooden railings have been set up in the stairwell going down to the Concourse.

Progress of construction in the Manitoba Museum Foyer, where the Museum Shop and new Museum Cafe will be located. December 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Photograph looking at the Manitoba Museum Rupert entrance from the parking lot. The Rupert entrance and Rupert Ave. are closed and under construction, with a large yellow digger driving down the closed road. Four handicapped parking spots are designated by painted symbols in a newly paved parking lot.

The repaving of the parking lot across from the Museum is complete, and construction continues on Rupert Avenue itself. The Museum’s Rupert Avenue entrance project is progressing well. November 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking out over the scaffolding level beneath the metal framing of the new awning over the Rupert Avenue entrance. The sky can be seen through criss-crossing metal beams over a boarded surface.

Metal framework in place for the new awning over the Rupert Avenue entrance. This awning will provide expanded shelter over the entrance, especially during inclement weather, as well as housing new lighting. October 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Underneath scaffolding in the Rupert entrance to the Museum. Orange tarpaulins cover the stairwells down to the Concourse level, and scaffolding has been used to create a raised surface for workers to access the new awning.

Raised scaffolding has been built to create access for workers to install the new awning over the Rupert Avenue entrance. October 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

A wall of windows in the north-facing wall of the Museum foyer. Through the windows can be seen construction scaffolding.

Windows have gone on in the north-facing wall of the Museum Foyer. The new Museum Café and Museum Shop will be on this side of the foyer when complete. October 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

The Manitoba Musuem foyer, partially blocked off with temporary hoarding, but with a wide portion open leading to the Museum Galleries. On the hoarding wall is a banner with Museum branding.

Ceiling and south wall work is complete on one side of the Museum Foyer, and the hoarding wall has been moved back to allow for greater access to the Foyer. There is now a wide area of space leading towards the Museum Galleries, brightened by the new lighting that has been installed above. The Box Office remains in Festival Hall for the time being. September 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

A small room constructed of drywall walls with a thin base coat of paint, and a clear tarp protected floor. A ladder stands in the lower left corner.

Walls have been erected and covered with a base coat of paint for the public cloakroom being built off the Museum Foyer. September 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

The south side of the Museum foyer under construction. A worker in PPE buffs a portion of the floor with a large machine, as another worker in the background works lower to the ground. Tech connections have been installed for the Box Office screens, and newly installed bright white light light covers adorn the ceiling.

Construction continues on the south side of the Museum Foyer, as sections of the floor are buffed out after the installation of the tech connections for the Box Office screens. The new white light covers have been installed, brightening the space. September 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

North side of the Museum foyer, under construction. Flooring is covered with protective materials, and two construction workers do work on the far side of the space with the aid of a scissor lift. New, bright white light covers adorn the ceiling.

Construction continues on the north side of the Museum foyer, as work proceeds for the exterior window wall installation, and the new light covers are installed. This is where the Museum Shop and new Museum Cafe will be post-construction. September 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking out over a partially covered base for a concrete accessibility ramp leading up to the Manitoba Museum's Rupert Ave. doors. Several construction workers stand together near the lower portion working on a specific spot.

Concrete is poured and prepped for the new accessibility entrance ramp by the Rupert Ave. entrance. September 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Rupert entrance to the Manitoba Museum under construction. Two tall pillars, connected by a beam near the top are errected in front of a zig-zag concrete pad for a accessible ramp.

Support pillars for the new entrance awning are erected at the Rupert Ave. entrance. September 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking through an open set of double doors into a room with stanchions creating a queue area. A sign beside the door reads, "Reception and Box Office".

To access the Festival Hall Box Office, when entering from the Main Street entrance turn left at the security desk and proceed through the double glass doors. We strongly recommend purchasing your admission tickets online in advance of your visit so that you can avoid lines, and keep your day flowing smoothly. July 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

A Museum staff member seated at a temporary Box Office desk with three stations.

For the duration of summer 2025, the Box Office has moved into Festival Hall. We strongly recommend purchasing your admission tickets online in advance of your visit so that you can avoid lines, and keep your day flowing smoothly. July 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

The south side of the museum foyer looking toward where the Box Office would be. Wiring is installed from teh Tyndall Stone on the back wall, and an orange ladder is folded back against the wall and a blue scissor lift is parked nearby. The ceiling is partial open, showing work on the lighting and intercom systems, and ceiling tiles are being replaced.

At the Box Office side of the Foyer, wiring has been placed for the info screens behind the Box Office desk and the ceiling tiles are being put back in place. May 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

The north side of the Museum foyer under construction, with materials stacked about. The ceiling is uncovered, showing the pipes and vents, with original all light fixtures removed. New inter-com and light fixtures are being installed.

Inside, the intercom system is being wired back into the Foyer ceiling and preparation done for the new light fixtures. May 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking down and to the right towards a set of poured concrete stairs leading up to the Rupert Ave entrance. The stairs are blocked at each end with plywood and construction fencing. In the lower left part of an orange tarpaulin can be seen covering the stairs going down to the Concourse entrance.

The new concrete stairs leading up the the main Rupert Ave. entrance have been poured on either side of the lower-level Concourse stairwell. May 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

View from outside the museum looking towards teh Rupert Ave entrance. The main exterior wall has been removed and is instead walled by plywood and tarpaulins. On the ground a level down, board and rebar are in place to form the base of the new entrance ramp.

Outside, the enclosed exterior wall has been removed to make room for the new window wall, and a base is being laid for the new entrance ramp. May 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Looking into an interior construction site, with materials stacked about. The ceiling is uncovered, showing the pipes and vents, with all light fixtures removed.

Work in the foyer continues! Pictured is where the Museum Shop and new Café will be located. April 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

A construction worker holds back an orange tarp covering a cement stairwell leading down to a barricaded door.

The base of the stairs leading down the the Concourse level have been poured! April 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Two individuals wearing high vis vests over their work wear in a pit of a construction site. In the upper portion of the frame part of an orange tarp can be seen covering an area.

Piles for one of the new stairwells have been driven, as crews prepare to pour. April 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

The old Foyer Box Office has been removed, as the Foyer renewal work continues. The Box Office has moved downstairs to the Concourse level, between the Planetarium and Science Gallery. We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line. January 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

Inside the hoarded off section of the Museum foyer which is now a constrcution site. The ceiling tailes have been removed, exposing the base of the ceiling. Workers in high-vis and hard hats move about the space.

Work in the Foyer progresses, as the ceiling tiles and light fixtures are removed in preparation for ceiling demolition. January 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

An excavator driving in a pile along the exterior wall of the Museum.

Piles are being driven in for the new ramp and stairwell at the Rupert Avenue entrance. January 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

A construction worker in a high vis shirt and hard hat stands on a platform, reaching up to remove a panel of the ceiling tiles in the Museum Foyer.

Construction continues as ceiling tiles are removed in the Museum Foyer. January 2025. Image: Manitoba Museum

View into the Museum Foyer from the Main street entrance. Hoarding blocks off most of the Foyer, allowing for entrance towards the elevator, the stairwell, and the Museum Galleries.

Hoarding is set up in the Museum Foyer as the interior construction begins! November 2024. Image: Manitoba Museum

White wooden hoarding forming a tunnel through the Museum Foyer towards the Museum Galleries entrance.

Hoarding is set up in the Museum Foyer as the interior construction begins! November 2024. Image: Manitoba Museum

The Manitoba Museum's Rupert Avenue entrance under construction. A orange-red bobcat is parked along the sidewalk in front of a gravel area where the ramp and stairwell used to be. An orange tarp covers the previous Concourse entranceway.

The old Rupert Ave ramp and stairs having been removed in preparation for the new and improved ones! November 2024. Image: Manitoba Museum

The Museum Shop in the Foyer, with construction workers moving about inside, removing shelves and walls as construction begins.

The old Museum Shop is coming down as construction begins in the Foyer! In the meantime, all Museum Shop merchandise is available online at ManitobaMuseumShop.ca. September 2024. Image: Manitoba Museum

The Manitoba Museum Rupert Avenue entrance with construction hoarding in place. Branded banners with colourful Ms and a notice reading "Open during construction" and direction visitors to the Main Street entrance are affixed to the front.

Colourful signage on the construction hoarding in front of the Rupert Street entrance directs visitors towards our Main Street entrance. Image: Manitoba Museum

A plywood access ramp at one end of a staircase leading to the Manitoba Museum's Main Street entrance.

Alternate entrance: Visitors can enter through the Museum’s Main Street entrance, where temporary access ramps have been built. Image: Manitoba Museum

A plywood access ramp at one end of a staircase next to the Manitoba Museum's Alloway Hall.

Alternate entrance: Visitors can enter through the Museum’s Main Street entrance, where temporary access ramps have been built. Image: Manitoba Museum

The Manitoba Museum Rupert Avenue entrance with construction barricades in place.

Construction beings: the Rupert Avenue entrance is closed as work begins, September 2024. Image: Manitoba Museum

The exterior of the Rupert entrance to the Manitoba Museum in June 2024. Tyndall stone walls form the exterior wall next to a low cement ramp and stairways to the doors.

The starting point: the Rupert Avenue exterior in June 2024. Image: Manitoba Museum

A rendering of the new Manitoba Museum Rupert Street entrance during the day, with a copper-coloured awning sheltering the entrance stairs and an updated ramp with a guard rail next to full glass walls into the foyer.

The end goal: an impression of the renovated Rupert Avenue entrance. Image: Stantec/Manitoba Museum

A rendering of the new Manitoba Museum Rupert Street entrance during the evening, with a copper-coloured awning with skylights and lighting sheltering the entrance stairs and an updated ramp with a guard rail.

The end goal: an impression of the renovated Rupert Avenue entrance. Image: Stantec/Manitoba Museum

Manitoba Museum Shop logo.

Manitoba Museum Shop

Our Museum Shop is closed for the duration of the Foyer construction project, however, there is a Pop-Up Shop in Festival Hall next to the Box Office with a selection of items for in-person shopping. All the Shop goods remain available online at ManitobaMuseumShop.ca. 

Here is a sneak peak of what’s to come including the launch of our Museum Shop Cafe in summer 2026.

A rendering of the renovated Museum Foyer and Shop area facing the Box Office desk. Across from the Box Office waiting area is an open-concept Shop next to a variety of seating areas with and without tables.

A rendering pf the renovated Shop area looking into the Shop space. An open-concept Shop with low display tables and shelves along the interior glass wall.

Frequently Asked Questions:

General

Visitors

Rentals

School Groups

Programs & Events

Museum Shop

Membership

Volunteers

Contact Us

Feel free to explore the links and resources provided. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at Info@ManitobaMuseum.ca. 

We appreciate your understanding and support during this transformation.