Opening of revamped New Brunswick Museum delayed to 2028

The New Brunswick Museum is delaying its opening to 2028.

People eager to check out the revamped New Brunswick Museum in Saint John will have to wait even longer than originally expected.

The building, which was slated to launch at 277 Douglas Ave. in 2027, is now aiming for a 2028 opening date.

“Getting all those pieces in place since the sod turning took longer than expected, but we anticipate a late 2027, early 2028 building completion, and the opening in 2028 when the exhibits and everything are finished,” said Tracy Clinch, chair of the New Brunswick Museum Board of Directors.

The Museum originally had a goal of opening the new building to the public in 2026.

The Museum’s extensive exhibit collection has been shut off from the public since it closed its exhibition space at Market Square in Saint John in 2020. It later left Market Square in 2022.

“We’re very hopeful to be able to bring things that haven’t been on display in decades, or in some case, never on display ever,” said Brent Suttie, chief operating officer of the Museum. “They should be able to see that when they come visit us in mid-2028.”

According to the Museum’s website, it has 300,000 artifacts and 300,000 digital media assets.

The Museum broke ground for its revitalization project at Douglas Avenue last August, seeking to update and restore its 90-year-old building. The project aims to expand the structure to nearly 165,000 square feet, making room for exhibition galleries, a public auditorium, a rooftop terrace, discovery centres, Indigenous engagement spaces, and research and teaching laboratories.

The work will also demolish five neighbouring buildings.

Earlier this week, the Museum launched the “Making History Now” capital campaign, seeking to raise $35 million by 2027.

“What we’re fundraising for, essentially, is all the great things that are going to be on display inside the building,” Clinch said.

The New Brunswick government has given $58 million to the Museum while the federal government has offered $49.9 million.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.