You'll soon be able to see these hidden gems at Ingenium's new storage space
Only a small fraction of artifacts at a museum are ever on display, leaving a vast trove hidden from public view. Now, the newly built Ingenium Centre is gearing up to unlock Canada's stories of science and innovation through public access to its one-of-a-kind national collection.
You might have seen the massive building next to the Science and Technology Museum – but only from the outside.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"Inside, there are stories of Canada's innovation in science and technology history brought to life," says Christina Tessier, Ingenium President and CEO.
Ingenium oversees three national museums in Ottawa -- the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. The lngenium Centre houses an exceptional collection of artifacts, a research institute, and a digital innovation lab.
It looks like a warehouse, but this is where items not normally seen by the public are stored. Museums typically can only show a fraction of their collections at any one time.
"When we think about the idea that museums generally have less than 10 per cent of their collections on display, we want to make sure that this collection is more accessible to Canadians," says Tessier.
The brand new facility will be accessible by guided tours or on special days, such as Doors Open Ottawa in June, according to Tessier.
Inside, there are cars, like a Thunderbird that was owned by Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings; a sample of the oldest water on earth, the last built steam locomotive, and the oldest book in the collection, published in 1561.
Emily Gann, Ingenium curation division director, holds a sample of billion year old water. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)
"So this building ensures that we can preserve the collection for generations. It's purpose built. There's temperature, humidity, control," Emily Gann, director of Ingenium's curatorial division, told CTV News Ottawa during a recent media preview.
"Every artifact number has a location. So when we look up in our database, say we're looking for that locomotive that's downstairs, we can see exactly where it is in the building or if it's in the museum or if it's out on loan," says Gann. "So it's kind of broken down by weight and size. And then some of our artifact rooms are much more specialized where it's broken down by subject area so that everything that belongs in the dentistry collection, for example, can all be found in one area."
Details about how you can tour the facility will be announced by Ingenium at a later date, "It's really exciting to be able to open the doors and welcome people in like we've never been able to do," said Gann.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.