Museum of Natural History Celebrates its Reopening

The Museum of Natural History in Halifax will once again be the place to learn about natural heritage when it reopens to the public Friday, June 4 after renovating its public spaces.

"I am excited that the museum is reopening for our visitors and residents," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Percy Paris. "The museum plays an important role by encouraging lifelong learning for Nova Scotians of all ages, helping government make life better for families in all parts of the province."

Museum visitors will notice improved lighting and a refurbished retail shop and admissions area, with seating and other amenities.

Two new summer exhibits and a number of special events this month celebrate the museum's reopening.

Venom, marks the return of live-animal exhibits and includes a tarantula, emperor scorpion and king cobra. Developed by Little Ray's Reptile Zoo, this is the exhibition's national debut and, until Aug. 8, will feature daily live shows that offer an up-close look at these often misunderstood animals. The exhibit is included with regular admission.

Riding with Meteorites, offers interactive games for explorers of all ages. Téo the astronaut and his dog, Laïka, guide "space travelers" as they explore fragments of meteorites that fell in Canada in 1960, 1963 and 1994. There is a three-metre reconstruction of the biggest meteorite to hit Earth -- the Hoba meteorite from Namibia.

Riding with Meteorites is a co-production of the Musée minéralogique et minier de Thetford Mines, the Musée de la nature et des sciences, and the Musée du Fjord.

Special events this month include free admission Friday, June 4 and family activities throughout the opening weekend.

The Concerts for Conservation series premieres Saturday with popular nature-song duo The Wilderbeats and world music performers Mas Cencerro. One dollar from admission will benefit the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.

For information on other reopening activities, including events for seniors and social media promotions, visit the museum's website at museum.gov.ns.ca/mnhnew/ .