East Beaches Heritage Wing
The project
The East Beaches Heritage Wing, located in Grand Marais, Manitoba, is a museum that captures the spirit and history of the East Beaches region along Lake Winnipeg. Opened in 2015, it brings the area’s natural beauty and cultural history to life, with exhibits ranging from the ecology of Lake Winnipeg to the stories of Indigenous and settler communities who shaped the region. Visitors can step back in time with displays like the Grand Beach diorama, which shows the area’s transformation into a lively resort destination in the early 1900s, complete with a dance hall, boardwalk, and carousel.
As a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, the Heritage Wing recognized the need to update its exhibit technology to keep things fresh and accessible. They wanted to ensure the museum could support future growth while providing a smooth, interactive experience for visitors. That’s where Pattern Interactive stepped in—to help modernize their digital displays, make it easier to update content, and provide ongoing local support.
The Challenge
The Heritage Wing’s main challenge was to balance history with modern technology in a way that would make learning about the East Beaches region engaging and easy for all ages. They wanted to keep the exhibits flexible for future content updates and ensure they could manage these changes on their own, without the hassle of calling in technical help.
In addition, the museum needed reliable hardware and smooth navigation to improve visitor interaction. And because they’re a local museum, they wanted a partner nearby who could provide quick support whenever needed, making sure everything stays operational and up-to-date.
The Solution
Pattern Interactive approached the project with a focus on flexibility, reliability, and ease of maintenance. To keep exhibits fresh and allow for easy updates, we implemented an updated content management system, enabling the museum to add new content as needed. Each exhibit was upgraded with user-friendly hardware and interactive elements, providing a seamless, engaging experience for visitors.
Across the board, we designed solutions that would work well both now and in the future. Each exhibit—from Harry’s Hideout to the Lake Winnipeg and Beach Memories displays—benefits from improvements that make them accessible, immersive, and easy to update. We also added backup systems and streamlined support options to keep the museum running smoothly, ensuring the museum remains operational, even when prompt support is required.
Result
The upgrades have transformed the East Beaches Heritage Wing into a modern, interactive space that’s easier to maintain and keeps visitors coming back. Thanks to remote update capabilities, museum staff can keep exhibits relevant without relying on outside support, and visitors enjoy an enhanced experience that’s both informative and immersive.
By partnering with a local team, the Heritage Wing now has peace of mind knowing that any technical issues can be quickly resolved, allowing them to focus on what they do best: sharing the story of the East Beaches region. The museum has not only strengthened its role as a community resource but has also ensured that the stories of the area’s land, people, and history will be accessible and engaging for years to come.
