Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/368665
Human rigHts The striking architecture of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (www.humanrights.ca) at The Forks corresponds with the uplifting nature of the museum's vision. World-renowned architect Antoine Predock borrowed images from the Canadian landscape: mountains, clouds, Prairie grass, ice and snow. Complex geometry and human rights symbolism grace every component, weaving light through darkness. Visitors follow an inspiring path of discovery that ultimately leads to the 23-storey Tower of Hope. The museum houses 47,000 square feet of exhibit space dedicated to stories of human rights champions, struggles and past and future achievements, with a restaurant and public spaces that invite contemplation and discussion. 31 X marks tHe spot The Manitoba Museum (www.manitobamuseum.ca) hoists the Jolly Roger when a vast pirate exhibit drops anchor Oct. 17. Touring exhibition Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship is a treasure trove of historic lore and artifacts. A slave ship captured by pirates of the Caribbean in 1717, the Whydah was full of plunder when it sank off the coast of Massachusetts two months later. See real booty, discover the surprisingly democratic nature of pirate life and find out if hooks, peg legs, eye patches and pet parrots were standard equipment for pirates, many of whom were former slaves. Plan to spend quality time at the museum, Science Gallery and Planetarium complex. Museum galleries contain everything from ancient fossils to a replica of 17th-century fur-trading ship The Nonsuch, an aboriginal encampment and an urban gallery depicting Winnipeg in the 1920s. Hands-on activities in the Science Gallery include a computer simulation game in which players explore eco-friendly ways to prevent algae blooms in Lake Winnipeg. The Planetarium's Digistar 5 theatre system makes it feel like a domed IMAX theatre. Attack of the Space Pirates is a star attraction on the big screen this fall. PHOTO: HARV SAWATSky PHOTO: HANS PfAff Canadian MuseuM For huMan righTs PHOTO: THOMAS fRICke