On Saturday, June 17, the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre (YBIC) hosted a grand reopening celebration after undergoing several months of exhibit renewal work in their main exhibit hall.
This free event featured refreshments, live music, entertainment and a variety of activities for all ages. Visitors also learned more about the exhibits and their importance from Tourism and Culture Minister John Streicker, YBIC Manager Christie Grekul and Yukon Palaeontologist Dr. Grant Zazula.
Features of the newly renovated main exhibit hall include:
- three interactive science stations designed to teach visitors about different phases of the Ice Age;
- a 40-foot-long hand-painted mural depicting the animals and plants of Beringia through time;
- a feature wall showcasing the skulls of Beringian animals;
- a collection of over 50 Yukon fossils; a new kids’ play area inspired by the rugged mountains of the Yukon; and
- a renewed visitor reception area.
Many of the new exhibits are designed to be modular and movable. This flexibility will allow for community events to better utilize the space. Furthermore, it will allow for periodic updates to exhibits as our knowledge of the Ice Age evolves.
The grand reopening of the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre represents a significant achievement in preserving and sharing the history of the Yukon. Not only does it provide an enriching experience for visitors of all ages, but it is also a clear testament to the tireless dedication and passion of the team behind it. Plus, kids will think it’s awesome!
Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker
We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to our newly renovated main exhibit hall. These exhibits represent a significant milestone in our mission to share the story of Beringia and the Ice Age with Yukoners and visitors to the territory. While the Ice Age may have come to an end thousands of years ago, relics of this period are still visible around the Yukon. It’s our hope that our new exhibits will help people better recognize and appreciate some of these features. Perhaps it will even inspire young minds to become archaeologists, geologists or palaeontologists.
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre manager Christie Grekul
As a palaeontologist, it's truly exciting to see the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre showcase such an impressive collection of fossils from our region. Many of these fossils would not be on display without the invaluable assistance of Yukon First Nations and placer miners. It’s through their dedication and support that we’re able to share these treasures with the public. These fossils offer a window into the ancient world, allowing us to better understand the diverse life forms that thrived during the Ice Age.
Yukon Paleontologist Dr. Grant Zazula
The Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre opened to the public on May 29, 1997.
Over the last eight years, the Centre has undergone several targeted exhibit renewals to update content and incorporate more Yukon fossils. Other recent projects include a new introductory film in October 2020 and a new exhibit featuring three remarkable mummified fossils in March 2020.
For operating hours and events visit the Beringia Centre website or contact them at 867-667-8855 or berginia@yukon.ca.
Government of Yukon owns and operates the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, the only museum in Canada to focus on the last great Ice Age.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Claire Przekop
Communications and Engagement Specialist
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
867-332-8590
claire.przekop@yukon.ca