Maritime Museum: Hours and Admission Changes

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax is closing its doors -- but only on Mondays. As in years past, the museum's galleries will close one day a week, beginning Monday, Oct. 25, as the number of visitors winds down.

The Monday closings will not affect museum offices, which will operate regular business hours, or rental of the museum's facilities.

The galleries will reopen seven days a week on May 1, 2000.

"For the museum to maintain the high standards apparent in its exhibits, we take one day each week during the quieter months to develop new exhibits and make necessary changes for the peak visitor season," said museum director Michael Murray. "This way we can ensure that the visitor experience is not disrupted by exhibit enhancement work taking place on the floor."

Changes to daily hours and admission are also be in effect during the slower October-to-April period. As of Oct. 16, the museum closes at 5 p.m., a half-hour earlier, from Wednesday to Sunday. The galleries are open until 8 p.m. Tuesdays year-round. For hours of operation on holidays, call the museum's information line at 902-424-7490.

Admission fees to the museum were also discontinued as of Oct. 16. Instead, the museum operates on donations until admission fees are reinstated May 1, 2000. However, an admission fee of $2.50 per person for Titanic 3D continues until Oct. 31, the final day the film will be shown at the museum. Also, some fees may be levied for workshops, programs or special exhibitions.

"We have a responsibility to offset the costs of running programs at the museum and, at the same time, pricing them so they are affordable to the public," said Gerry Lunn, curator of visitor services.