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N.B. Museum aims to raise $35M for revitalization project

Saint John, NB, Canada / Country 94
Brad Perry
Jul 23, 2025 | 5:11 AM
N.B. Museum aims to raise $35M for revitalization project

A rendering of the revitalized New Brunswick Museum. Image: Diamond Schmitt Architects



The New Brunswick Museum is looking to raise $35 million for its massive revitalization project.

Officials with the provincial museum introduced their capital campaign chair and leadership on Tuesday.

Jim Irving, the co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited, will lead the fundraising campaign over the coming months.

“A new, world-class New Brunswick Museum will inspire new generations of New Brunswickers, giving them a chance to learn more about our province’s history and its importance to the rest of the country,” Irving said in a news release.

J.D. Irving, Limited donated $3 million toward the project, and the museum said the co-CEO has championed their bold vision and inspired others in the business community to follow suit.

RELATED: Construction starts on New Brunswick Museum revitalization

Tracy Clinch, chair of the museum’s board, said the project is a bold investment in the future of New Brunswick.

“It’s about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about connection, inclusion, learning, and building pride in who we are,” said Clinch.

Officials decided to renovate the existing museum and add an expansion rather than building a brand new facility.

When finished, the 134,000-square-foot facility will house research, exhibition, and community spaces under one roof, including a café, boutique, and library.

Provincial and federal officials announced nearly $108 million in funding for the long-awaited project in early 2024.

Construction began last summer, and officials hope to reopen the museum to the public in 2027.

Also serving on the campaign cabinet are:

  • Aldéa Landry, president, Landal Inc.
  • Tracy Clinch, president and CEO, Masitek Instruments Inc., New Brunswick Museum Board
  • Joel Richardson, vice-president, public relations, Cooke Inc.
  • Andy Carson, vice-president, government relations, J.D. Irving, Limited
  • Brenda Orr, chair, Foundation of New Brunswick Museum
  • Sonia Van Roestel, head of marketing, Kent Building Supplies
  • Wayne Power, New Brunswick Museum Board
  • John McAvity, Foundation of New Brunswick Museum
  • Brent Suttie, COO, director of research, New Brunswick Museum
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