This weekend, the first 9,000 visitors will go inside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and see the exhibits that make-up the museum for the first time.
Many displays feature the stories of people who have faced human rights head-on. From indigenous rights, to the rights of children, and cases of genocide, the eleven galleries are designed to tell collective and personal stories.
Ali Saeed was put in jail, tortured and sentenced to death in Ethiopia. He escaped to Canada in 1984. The political prisoner has become a champion for human rights, helping to bring refugees to Manitoba.
Saeed's story has been featured in the museum.
"It's a big thing for me," he said. "I know it's painful to tell, but it's very important."
Other stories feature ongoing battles, like that of Rich North and Chris Vogel. They were married in Manitoba in the 1970s, long before same-sex marriage was legalized.
They continue to fight to have their union recognized, 40 years later. They said having their story in the museum is huge.
"This museum is defining for the world, homosexuals as a minority group who are entitled to human rights," said North.
Visitors are encouraged to take time and reflect in the garden of contemplation and learn. Many displays have been equipped with technology allowing people to interact.
"It’s meant to wow you, of course, but to leave you with questions, in a better understanding of some of the connection of these issues,” said CMHR researcher and curator, Isabelle Masson.
More than 100 hours of video, including feature films in seven theatres, as well as artifacts, works of art, and more than 2,500 images make that connection.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated spots to explore is the Tower of Hope. It rises 100 metres above the museum, the same height as a 23-storey building, a view designed to give perspective.
This weekend, the 9,000 visitors will have the opportunity to explore four exhibits. Come September 27, all 11 exhibits will be open to the paying public, including the Tower of Hope.
