Canada Science and Technology Museum reveals updated plans for $80M renewal

The crazy kitchenand the big locomotives will return, but visitors to the CanadaScience andTechnology Museum will see some dramatic changes when renovations are done and the building reopens in 2017.

The museum released its latest plans for the institution's $80.5-million overhaul Monday morning.

Six new galleries will offerchildren's education and activities, artifacts from the museum's collection, maker spaces and a temporary exhibition spaces for travelling shows.

Officials emphasizedthe "immersive, interactive and digital" aspects of six new galleries planned for the refitted space at 1867 St. Laurent Blvd.

"When we open in fall 2017, we will celebrate the museum's first 50 years and set the stage for the next 50. It will be a completely different immersive heritage experience,"said Alex Benay, president and CEO of the museum corporation, in a news release.

The project also includesmould remediation, roof replacementand fire-proofing.

The museum was forced to close in September 2014 after maintenance workers discovered a leak in the roof that had spread to the building's south wall. Subsequent tests revealed high levels of airborne mould.

The museum will open in time to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday, highlighting the country's history of scientificand technological achievements, Benay said.

The proposed faade, which features a large LED screen, received federal design approval from the National Capital Commission on Nov.18, 2015.

It's hoped the museum will reopen Nov. 17, 2017.