The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre will unveil a new lighting system inspired by the aurora borealis Thursday.
To celebrate, the museum is hosting a night of lights, music and dessert just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The event will officially kick off at sunset Thursday (5:06pm), when the building’s new exterior light display turns on for the first time.
Following that, visitors can enjoy music from the Accidentals and eat dessert between 7:00 and 8:45pm. The Accidentals are a newly formed a cappella singing group based in Yellowknife.
Mike Mitchell is curator of education and public programs with the GNWT’s Department of Education, Culture and Employment.
He says the new light display marks the completion of a multi-year equipment upgrade.
A 40-year-old lighting system inside the museum has also been upgraded to a museum quality, energy efficient LED system.
“Beyond the energy efficiency benefit, [LED lights] also have a less harsh spectrum for museum collection objects on display,” said Mitchell.
“In terms of the safeguarding of artifacts that belong to the people of the Northwest Territories, it’s a benefit for sure.”
Mitchell says the new lighting system was made possible because of federal funding. The museum’s hope is that the new display will heighten its presence as a “cultural destination for NWT residents and visitors.”