A new travelling exhibition, BC鈥檚 Marvellous Mushrooms, is open at the Courtenay and District Museum.

This exhibition, created by the Royal BC Museum, explores the science and practical uses of mushrooms today, highlighting some of the most fascinating of the 3,400 known species in the province.

BC鈥檚 Marvellous Mushrooms encourages visitors to learn more about B.C. mushrooms and their versatility. It introduces a cross-section of different species鈥攕ome familiar, some bizarre, some delicious and some deadly. Their lives are interwoven with every part of British Columbia ecosystems.

Mushrooms are not only a subject of scientific study but also a source of food, dyes, and medicine; and objects of ceremony and beauty. This exhibition delves into the many facets of these fabulous fungi.

Featuring interpretive graphic panels, hand-sculpted mushroom models and foraging equipment, the exhibition facilitates visitors鈥� understanding of BC mushrooms and their many uses.

鈥淭he Courtenay Museum is very pleased to host this exhibit. We鈥檝e also added some local tie-ins to the show including canvases by Laura McGlone Photography and Comox District Free Press articles from the 1970s and 鈥�80s when mushroom pickers made front page news鈥� said a CDM spokesperson.

BC鈥檚 Marvellous Mushrooms was created in 2021 to accompany the Royal BC Museum鈥檚 popular new handbook, Mushrooms of British Columbia by Andy MacKinnon and Kem Luther鈥攁 comprehensive and practical guide suitable for both professional and amateur mushroom enthusiasts.

鈥淏ritish Columbians love mushrooms,鈥� says Mushrooms of British Columbia author Andy MacKinnon. 鈥淭his family-friendly exhibit explores the many ways that people in our province interact with B.C.鈥檚 fabulous fungi.鈥�

BC鈥檚 Marvellous Mushrooms will be on display until Dec. 9.

The Courtenay and District Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 207 Fourth Street in downtown Courtenay. For more information, call 250-334-0686 ext. 2.