Ontario’s Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa has unveiled plans for a CA$80m (US$60m, €56.5m, £40m) renovation, upgrade and expansion, bringing the facility first opened in 1967 into the modern age.

Designed by Canadian architecture firm NORR, the redevelopment masterplan includes five main galleries, temporary exhibition space, an artefacts gallery, maker space and classrooms. The museum’s main galleries will follow the themes of creating and using knowledge, moving and connecting, technology in our lives, transforming resources, and children. The plans also include a facade featuring a large LED screen, which received federal design approval from Canada’s National Capital Commission last month.

The museum has emphasised the involvement of cutting-edge and emerging technologies in the new galleries, with a spokesperson telling AM2 they will all include “immersive, interactive and digital aspects”.

Key renovations on the 50-year-old building are included in the plans, with a mould issue which closed the museum in September last year being tackled, a roof replacement and fireproofing all in the works. VerTerra Corp is handling project management for the development, while Quebec-based contractor Pomerleau is in charge of construction.

“This renewed space will enhance visitor experience and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.” said Alex Benay, president and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation.

“When we open in 2017, we will celebrate the museum’s first 50 years and set the stage for the next 50 — it will be a completely different immersive heritage experience.”

The museum is scheduled to reopen on 17 November 2017 in time for Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, which the museum plans to celebrate by highlighting the country's history of scientific and technological achievements.