Al Chapman scans the art perfectly positioned on gleaming white shelves.
The manager of visitor services proudly explains they have more than 40 Alberta artists featured in this space, museum-like exhibit that’s actually the new gift shop.
The shop, a 4D movie theatre, the Agora Interpretive Centre and the Borealis Gallery are the four main features of the new visitor centre.
The Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre is located on the main floor of the Federal Building. (Adrienne Lamb)
Chapman says the cost for the centre was approximately $2 million and, so far, they’ve welcomed 111,000 visitors which is nearly 40 per cent more visits than when the visitor centre was located in the LRT pedway.
“It was a much smaller space underground and it wasn’t very visible to the public,” Chapman explained.
Programs assistant Will Mitchell is bracing for the crowds expected next week.
“Canada Day is the crown jewel in our year of programming,” he said.
The centre is always trying to keep its programming fresh.
This year Mitchell is organizing something a little different.
Last year 61,000 people visited the grounds of the Alberta Legislature on July 1. (Adrienne Lamb)
“Historical rap battles between characters from Alberta’s history that have been at odds with each other. They’re going to have it out, old school in rhyme.”
Creative programming is bound to draw the crowds to the free space but Chapman admits moving the visitor centre from underground into the light also brought some challenges.
“Some people just trip onto it. Other people know it’s here, but they’re not sure they want to come into the building — it looks too much like an office building — so we’re really trying to say to people ‘Ya it’s open, come on in.’ “
You can see the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre for yourself this week on Our Edmonton at 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday on CBC TV.
The latest exhibit at the Borealis Gallery called Voices for the Vote is on until Aug. 14 at the Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre. (Adrienne Lamb)