For the first time in our province’s history, visitors to the Alberta Legislature will have the opportunity to experience the iconic document that changed the course of law, justice and human rights.
The multimedia exhibition Magna Carta: Law, Liberty & Legacy will conclude its Canadian tour at the Alberta Legislature with daily showings from November 23 to December 29.
“The Legislative Assembly is dedicated to educating the public on our province’s legislative history and engaging them in the democratic process,” said Hon. Robert E. Wanner, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. “Magna Carta: Law, Liberty and Legacy will provide Albertans with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to directly explore the roots of democracy and personhood.”
The Magna Carta is one of the most significant historical documents in the world. It embodies principles that have underpinned the development of parliamentary democracy and the legal system in Canada, much of the Commonwealth and across the world. Magna Carta: Law, Liberty & Legacy, is an interactive and bilingual exhibit celebrating the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.
One of only four stops on the Canadian tour, the Alberta Legislature is the only provincial Legislature in the country to showcase this foundational piece this year. Magna Carta: Law, Liberty & Legacy will be the Borealis Gallery’s inaugural exhibit. The gallery is just one of the many spaces featured in the brand new Legislative Assembly of Alberta Visitor Centre located in the Edmonton Federal Building, just north of the Alberta Legislature, at 9820-107 Street.
CBC, the exclusive media sponsor, ATCO and Alberta Culture and Tourism are partnering with the Legislative Assembly of Alberta to bring this significant exhibition to Albertans. The exhibition is also supported by the Government of Canada/Avec l’appui du gouvernement du Canada as well as Edmonton Tourism and Travel Alberta.
As with all programming at the Alberta Legislature this exhibit will be free and is open and accessible to everyone.
Previous stops on the exhibition’s Canadian tour included Ottawa/Gatineau, Toronto and Winnipeg.
Speakers Series: November 24 to December 15
From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays guest historians, musicians and re-enactors will provide context to the Great Charter through engaging information sessions. Sometimes musical, always insightful, the free sessions will be held in the Capital View Room and are open to the public.
Letters of Magna Carta: December 13
Members of the Edmonton Calligraphic Society will be on hand Sunday, December 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. to guide, demonstrate and discuss calligraphic practices both historic and contemporary. Visitors will have the opportunity to try calligraphic lettering, to learn about historic inks, parchments and writing utensils and to admire the work of amateur and professional calligraphers practising in our city today. Through this hands-on workshop, visitors will gain insight into how Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest were inscribed 800 years ago. This special public event will be held in the pavilion.
For more information on the exhibit and hours of operation go to http://www.assembly.ab.ca/