First Museum in the world to introduce an innovative mobile application for BlackBerry users

A world premiere – The Canadian Museum of Civilization is the first Museum in the world to introduce an innovative mobile application for BlackBerry users

Gatineau, Quebec, March 29, 2010 — The Canadian Museum of Civilization today became the first museum in the world to introduce a BlackBerry application for access to its audioguides and other Museum information. This follows on a similar first for an application accessible to iPhone and iPod Touch in December 2009.

Owners of these popular handheld devices now can obtain one-stop access to Museum information from anywhere in the world. They can plan a visit to the Museum by accessing interactive floor maps, a calendar of events and information about hours of operation, admission fees and public services.

“The Museum is constantly looking for innovative ways to broaden its audience and reach people in Canada and around the world,” said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “We are delighted to be the first Museum in the world to provide this progressive and convenient technology to the public. The Canadian Museum of Civilization strives to preserve Canadian heritage and to share our country’s fabulous story with Canadians and the world.”

The Museum of Civilization’s Mobile Application for BlackBerry Bold 9700, developed in partnership with Tristan Interactive of Ottawa, is now available for free on BlackBerry App World in both official languages. “Tristan’s support for the BlackBerry – the North American smartphone market leader – now allows millions of BlackBerry users the best access to Museum multimedia. Tristan is proud to be the first in the world to build this technology,” said Chris McLaren, CEO of Tristan Interactive Inc.

In addition to automatic updates about new Museum programs and exhibitions, two audioguides, which were previously accessible only on Museum-supplied headsets, are now available on these personal handheld devices. Visitors can use their mobile devices to visit two of the Museum’s largest and most popular exhibition galleries. At the touch of a button, BlackBerry owners have access to Canada Hall, which relays the history of Canada from year 1000 to the present and the First Peoples Hall, which shares with listeners how Canada’s First Peoples shaped our country as we now know it. In essence, the history of the foundation of Canada is brought to Canadians and the world through this new application.

Stay tuned for future announcements as the Museum continues to lead the way, using innovative means to reach beyond its walls and around the world.

The Canadian Museum of Civilization is the centre for research and public information on the social and human history of the country. Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Museum is Canada’s largest and most popular cultural institution, attracting over 1.3 million visitors each year. The Museum of Civilization’s principal role is to preserve and promote the heritage of Canada for present and future generations, thereby contributing to the promotion and enhancement of Canadian identity.

Tristan Interactive is creating the future of interactive guides for museums and galleries worldwide. Tristan’s platform, Autour, is a complete tech