Midhurst/June 6, 2025 – The Simcoe County Museum is excited to welcome visitors back to its grounds starting Monday, June 9, 2025, as Phase 1 of its major renovation and expansion project works toward completion. Portions of the building will remain closed for construction and expansion, however starting June 9, the public can enjoy access to the outdoor portion of the Museum grounds daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with half-price admission. As progress continues, access to additional galleries is expected in July once renovations wind up.
Before the official re-opening, the Museum will host its popular Wheels and Tracks event on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. Throughout May and continuing into June, the grounds have also been open to school groups and other programming.
Matthews Innovation and Transportation Gallery Project
The Museum has been closed to the public for several months in order to accelerate construction efforts on the $16.6 million Matthews Innovation and Transportation Gallery expansion. This full closure allowed for approximately 2% in cost savings, more efficient progress on the upgrades, and greater safety.
The upgrades and renovations include significant expansions to exhibit space, the integration of a zero-carbon, environmentally sustainable design, and the addition of new areas for curatorial work and collections storage.
The Matthews Innovation and Transportation Gallery Project is expected to be completed by summer, 2026. This project is the first of 3 major construction phases that will be completed by 2030, in time to celebrate the Museum’s 100th anniversary.