Unique Joint Exhibit To Open

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) are joining forces to celebrate the age of sail with a new exhibit called Masters of the Sea: Tall Ship Portraits from the Age of Sail.

The joint exhibition, which will be held at both institutions, features more than 50 ship portraits, numerous artifacts and interpretative materials from the period. Each site will feature paintings and artifacts with interpretive panels that explore 19th and early 20th century shipping.

"This exhibition is an excellent way to celebrate our marine heritage as well as recognizing Tall Ships Challenge," said Calum Ewing, director of operations for the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. "We believe that this exhibit will provide a historical component to that great event as well as show all Nova Scotians what an important role these ships played in our history."

Jeffrey Spalding, director of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia agrees. "We hope that working in partnership with another institution will be a great way to attract visitors to both the gallery and the museum," he said. "This is an important part of our shared history and this summer seemed like the perfect time to celebrate that heritage."

In addition to collaborating on the exhibition, the art gallery and the Maritime Museum will offer a joint boarding pass that will allow visitors one entry to each site, anytime between the opening on Saturday, June 12 and the closing of the show on Sept. 6.

The exhibition is designed to celebrate Nova Scotia's marine heritage as well as recognizing Tall Ships Challenge 2004, which will visit Halifax from July 29 to Aug. 2.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is located at 1675 Lower Water St., Halifax. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is located at 1723 Hollis St., Halifax.