Albertans are being encouraged to say a final goodbye to the Royal Alberta Museum’s current home in Edmonton’s Glenora neighbourhood.

Officials said the public has six more months to visit the current building, a part of Alberta’s landscape since 1967, before it re-opens in Edmonton’s downtown arts district.

“With twice the space, the new museum is destined to become a major cultural tourist destination that will continue to celebrate the heritage and stories of all Albertans,” Alberta’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, David Eggen said in a statement.

Starting in the fall, officials said the museum will reduce its operations with public access three days a week, from Friday to Sunday, until the full closure of all galleries on December 6.

The museum will also be open on Thursdays and Fridays for self-guided school groups, beginning in September. The theatre will continue its normal operations until the closure.

Construction of the new building at 103A Avenue, between 97 Street and 99 Street, is underway and expected to be completed in 2016.

According to officials, the museum hopes to re- open at its new location in late 2017 or early 2018.

A total of $375.5 million will be invested in development of the new museum - $253 million from the Alberta Government and $122.5 million from the Federal Government.

For more information visit Royal Alberta Museum.