The Museum of Ingenuity J. Armand Bombardier is the proud recipient of the tourism excellence award, Initiative en innovation et développement de l’offre – Prix SATQ. The award is presented annually in recognition of innovative initiatives to develop and improve a product or service, thus creating a unique customer experience and showcasing the destination.

The Museum earned the award for its current temporary exhibition, Inspiring NATURE, inspired TECHNO: Biomimicry and Transport. The exhibition features the innovative theme of biomimicry. The scientific and educational project created entirely in the Eastern Townships and premiered in Valcourt, will tour Canada in 2019—a first for the Museum. Collaboration for the project provided an opportunity to share and showcase the expertise and know-how of our local museum specialists with the wealth of knowledge present in our regional universities and businesses. The exhibition draws parallels between natural specimens and technological innovations. It gets visitors thinking about the world of today and sparks the imagination in regard to the possible world of tomorrow. The exhibition was made possible in part by the Government of Canada, through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage, and with funding from the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation.

In response to the award, Museum Director Carol Pauzé said, “Receiving the tourism excellence award is an honour, and the entire team is extremely proud. This recognition of the Museum’s expertise and that of our partners positions us as an innovative space offering a unique visitor experience. The award also underscores the Museum’s important contribution to promoting Valcourt and the Eastern Townships. I congratulate the other 2018 tourism excellence award winners, as well as the finalists from among the 220 businesses and events in the running.”