Vancouver, British Columbia – Historical Xperiences Inc., a Vancouver-based company that designs and manages history-themed attractions, is nearing completion of…
Vancouver, British Columbia – Historical Xperiences Inc., a Vancouver-based company that designs and manages history-themed attractions, is nearing completion of Storyeum, a unique underground theatre in Gastown showcasing the rich heritage of British Columbia.
This exciting, new 104,000 square-foot attraction will feature a huge underground theatre, elaborate movie-sets, dozens of talented performers, and state-of-the-art effects and lighting techniques. Local and international guests of all ages will be taken through the theatre on an experiential tour through time that will enrich, educate and entertain as the colourful history of British Columbia comes to life before them. Located in the heart of Vancouver`s historic district, Storyeum will be a 70-minute cultural experience unlike any in the world.
One of the key ingredients to our success will be a dynamic mix of education and entertainment, which translates into a powerful product and memorable guest experience, says Graeme Drew, vice-president of marketing and communications for Storyeum. The experience being offered is highly entertaining and based on historical facts, providing guests with a `sense of place,` and a better insight into who we are as a people.
The Storyeum experience will come to life through engaging music and passionate performances. Guests will witness first-hand the stories of our heritage, from the region`s geological roots and the colourful oral histories of the First Nations, to the arrival of European explorers, the gold rush era, Confederation, and finally, the completion of the national railway in Vancouver.
Storyeum will be the sought after destination for Lower Mainland school groups, embracing a new and effective form of education: `edutainment.` People of all ages will see the spectacular history of the area in which they live and gain a new appreciation for our rich history, against a backdrop of century-old buildings and cobblestone streets. Storyeum will draw visitors from around the world and bring an abundance of cultures and languages to enrich what is already one of the most diverse areas of the city.
In addition, more than a third of the venue will be dedicated to a unique, ground-level space that will become the Vancouver meeting destination and a mecca for festivals and events. This public space will feature exciting menu choices and a variety of unique gifts.
For residents and international visitors, the addition of Storyeum to Vancouver is welcome news, says Rick Antonson president and CEO of Tourism Vancouver. With the convention centre expansion underway and with the successful 2010 Olympic Games bid, we anticipate an increasing number of visitors to the city who will not only enjoy, but who will truly learn, from this innovative venture in vibrant Gastown.
The timing for the Storyeum opening in June 2004 is a pivotal milestone in the exciting transformation currently underway in Gastown. Storyeum will complement the recent debut of several new restaurants and expanded retail opportunities, in addition to exciting annual events including the Tour de Gastown bike race, Concours d`Elegance vintage car show and of course the International Jazz Festival.
Historical Xperiences Inc. is a private Canadian company based in Vancouver, B.C. It specializes in designing, building and managing heritage attractions that offer world-class storytelling experiences using actors, sets and effects.
HXP`s first heritage attraction, Tunnels of Moose Jaw, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, has enjoyed tremendous success since it opened in June 2000. Now in its fourth award- winning year, Tunnels has provided HXP with a working model for the design and concept of Storyeum in Vancouver.
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