Update for July 2024: We’ve begun the final design stage for Phase Two: The Mine Experience as we prepare to submit our building permit for the project.
We are currently working with MAD Studio Inc. and Panther Creative with Roaming Writer and One by One Design to develop our architectural and exhibition designs.
Preliminary Design Examples:
Preliminary Exhibition Sketches:
Exhibit Floor Plan
Carol Vanelli-Worosz from Teck presenting the second of two $350,000 donations from Teck Metals - Trail Operations to Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, represented by Museum Director Joelle Hodgins and Rossland Historical Museum Association President Libby Martin (2020)
Phase II - The Mine Experience
Thanks to the generous donation of $700,000 from Teck Trail Operations, we have begun planning and fundraising for The Mine Experience phase - a combination of the above-ground mine tunnel immersive experience and an expansion of the entrance gallery.
We are excited to re-create the underground tunnel experience, which will tell our mining history through an interactive, engaging, and realistic interpretation of life in the mines of Red Mountain. This is an opportunity to create an exhibit that would mimic the sensory experience of a mine in a safe and manageable way. Mining machinery will be displayed in underground scenes with some operable/touchable items to interpret mining activities and experiences.
The addition to the museum’s entrance gallery will allow for much-needed space to expand the gift shop, visitor centre, public theatre, and temporary display space. This will be a truly eye-catching structure and create an enhanced entryway, improve circulation and usable space, and allow for a full introduction area to the Teck Mine Experience tunnel.
Proposed Timeline:
Planning/Fundraising – 2018-2024
Construction – 2025
Completion – Early 2026
Roger Terhune demonstrating the correct stance for drilling - inside the original Black Bear Mine tunnel
As part of Phase II, we hope to build a Mine Tunnel Map showing the depth and breadth of the Rossland mines.
Completed Phases
Phase I - Entrance Gallery
Renovation to the archives, administration, public washrooms, and lobby, including a new Entrance Gallery - $700,000 raised!
Join Us in Shaping the Future
This is not just a museum exhibit; it’s a community legacy. The Mine Experience will educate, inspire, and connect visitors of all ages to our rich mining heritage. Together, we can preserve and celebrate the stories that define Rossland’s identity.
Stay tuned for more updates and get involved today to ensure the success of this remarkable project!
Donate to the Project
Gold Commissioner $100,000 and above
Grubstaker $ 50,000 - $99,999
Mine Superintendent $ 25,000 - $49,999
Blaster $ 10,000 - $24,999
Powder Monkey $ 5,000 - $9,999
Driller $ 2,000 - $4,999
Miner $ 500 - $1,999
Mucker Up to $ 499
We sincerely appreciate our supporters to date -> please take a look at our ever-growing donor wall page for a full list of contributors.
Ways You Can Donate
Call us! (250) 362-7722 or toll-free 888-488-7444
Nelson & District Credit Union - Rossland Museum's Renewal Project Account
Donate at Canada Helps - Rossland Historical Museum & Archives Association
Registered Charity #107915654 RR0001
Direct link to Canada Helps Donor Form
Keep an eye out for our next fundraiser!
Other Ways to Contribute
Participate in our fundraising events
Invite us to make a presentation to your organization on the project and support opportunities that may be available
Consider Volunteering
Fundraising Committee Member
Development Committee Member (specific to Renewal Project planning and oversight)
Help out with events, fundraisers, programming, maintenance, or wherever your interest lies!
Consider joining the Board - Annual General Meeting is held in November, but you can get in touch any time to inquire further
Have an idea? Let us know at info@ rosslandmuseum.ca or (250) 362-7722
Keep Informed
Watch this page for updates!
Facebook: Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
Twitter: @RosslandMuseum
Instagram: @RosslandMuseum
The Vision
A Journey of Change...
A refreshed and transformed Rossland Museum that will reinforce its position as the West Kootenay's leading museum and archives
A landmark site to congregate, create, and strengthen links between diverse communities in the region
A significant shift in public programming: new interactive exhibits, exciting visitor experiences, and innovative ideas
An active presence in the community that supports local economy, spurs partnerships, and regenerates tourism
The lower level of the museum sits on the “Mining in the Kootenays” Historic Site of Canada that encompasses the historic entrance to the Black Bear Mine and a number of significant, large industrial mining artifacts and related outbuildings, and outdoor community programming space. The Rossland community came together in 1967 to plan and construct the initial exhibition building for the Rossland Historical Museum.
Since 1967, the main facility has been added onto in order to incorporate exhibition space exploring themes of local skiing history, hydroelectric power generation, mining and smelting, and social and cultural history of Rossland and area. From 1967 to 2009, there was a very informative, experiential, and successful underground mine tour of the Black Bear Mine. Access to the mine was permanently closed for safety and liability reasons in 2012 by the property owners, and the museum association has endeavored to make up for this lost educational opportunity through new interpretive displays, walking tours, gold panning, and other special programming.
This has necessitated a major “Renewal” for the museum with Donald Luxton and Associates Inc. preparing a “Plan for Renewal” at the end of 2013. The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre Board of Directors – working closely with Teck Metals and the City of Rossland – has prepared a phased approach to this Renewal Project to strengthen the museum’s capacity to play a central role within the community and act as a gateway to the region.