Le Musée de Saint-Boniface (FACEBOOK)
The federal government is providing $400,000 over two years to support the 175th anniversary of the heritage building that houses Le Musée de Saint-Boniface in Winnipeg.
Ginette Lavack, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and MP for St. Boniface-St. Vital, announced the funding on Monday.
“This anniversary is a chance to celebrate the rich history and heritage of St. Boniface,” said Lavack. “The museum is at the heart of that story. It keeps our history, our culture and our identity alive.”
The funding begins in 2026-2027 through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program.
The building has played a role in the history of St. Boniface and Winnipeg’s cultural heritage since 1851, serving over the years as a convent, hospital, hospice and school. It now serves as a gathering place highlighting the heritage of Francophone, Métis and First Nations communities in Manitoba.
The government says the funds will support preservation of the historic Grey Nuns’ Convent building while making it more welcoming and accessible ahead of its 175th anniversary. The renovated spaces will allow the museum to expand its cultural programming, including exhibitions, performances, screenings, outdoor installations and artist residencies.
“We are thrilled to return to our home, the little white house with green shutters on the Red River, and to open our doors to our community,” added Cindy Desrochers, the museum’s executive director.
“After so much work and anticipation, it is exciting to bring people, stories and activity back into these spaces. We invite everyone to watch for announcements about a year of programming that will celebrate our return and other opportunities to discover, learn and connect.”
The museum says it will begin returning to the Grey Nuns’ Convent in October, with portions of MSBM reopening to the public while restoration work continues.
