VICTORIA, BC — The Royal BC Museum, in partnership with the Government of BC, is thrilled to announce the name of its new archives, research and collections facility—Royal BC Museum PARC Campus.
PARC Campus, an acronym for Provincial Archives, Research and Collections, will be the official moniker for what’s previously been known as the museum’s collections and research building. The name was developed through consultation with Royal BC Museum employees and the Province, to reflect the critical and complex work that will take place in this state-of-the-art facility.
Located in Colwood, BC, on the Territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, PARC Campus is currently scheduled to open to the public in 2026. From project inception, and throughout the design and build process, PARC Campus has been developed in close partnership with the host Nations; committing to a strong collaborative approach, while ensuring connection to and respect for the land.
“This project will usher in a new era for the museum and archives,” said Tracey Drake, CEO of the Royal BC Museum. “PARC Campus will provide much needed space to steward the collections and for museum and archives teams to look to the future, how we collect and share BC’s collective history. We look forward to welcoming visitors to PARC Campus to learn more about BC’s past, and foster a deeper connection between all peoples of British Columbia and their provincial museum.”
Home to the province’s collections, BC Archives, and countless visiting researchers, collections staff and curators, PARC Campus will safeguard the past and lead the way for future research and discoveries. Through an intuitive integrated design and purpose-built spaces, PARC Campus will support the important work happening within its walls while engaging visitors with British Columbia’s collective history. Collection labs will feature windows that offer the public access to artifacts and museum work like never before PARC Campus design will also offer onsite learning programs and workshops.
“The official naming of PARC Campus brings us one step closer to opening and ensuring our province’s collections and priceless artwork are protected,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The new home of our provincial archives, research, and collections means British Columbians and visitors will have greater access to more of the province’s collections and shared history while also providing a new opportunity to watch research happening in real time.”
The 15,200 square-metre building’s future-forward design not only meets the needs of a growing museum, but also meets the CleanBC energy efficiency standards, is designed for mass timber construction, and will be LEED Gold certified.
To stay up-to-date on the PARC Campus construction, visit the Collections and Research Building Project website at collectionsandresearchbuilding.ca.
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About the Royal BC Museum: The Royal BC Museum explores the province’s human history and natural history, advances new knowledge and understanding of BC, and provides a dynamic forum for discussion and a place for reflection. The museum and archives celebrate culture and history, telling the stories of BC in ways that enlighten, stimulate and inspire. Located in Victoria on the Territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples (Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations), we are a hub of community connections in BC—on-site, off-site and online—taking pride in our collective histories.
For information about visiting the Royal BC Museum, visit: Plan Your Visit
