THUNDER BAY — A brand-new motorcycle museum is tentatively set to open in Thunder Bay this summer.
The Kisselgoff Motorcycle Museum will display a collection of more than 40 vintage and modern classic motorcycles.
David Kisselgoff, the museum founder and director, hopes the museum will be up and running in June.
He said the idea of the museum was his hobby.
“I’m a radiologist, so it’s not the business, which I’m looking into making money from,” said Kisselgoff.
“Most of the museums are basically a money-bleeding business, so it’s not really easy to maintain a museum or find revenue streams, but that’s my passion and I was thinking that that would be nice to have such a museum in Thunder Bay.”
With the project already underway, the museum has begun advertising and launched a Facebook page and a website to keep people tuned in.
“The building is acquired and the project team and the builders have started to work inside already and I hope in April we are going to be able to show something, at least some nice views from inside,” said Kisselgoff.
The museum will be located in the old movie theatre at 310 E. Victoria Ave.
“There are many people who still remember the old theatre as a theatre. So that’s the historic building, which was erected in 1948 and it would be nice to put it to good use now instead of being abandoned and just standing as is,” said Kisselgoff.
He explained that this location is also crucial, given that the core of the historic downtown of Fort William will be supported by local government and is currently undergoing revitalization.
“Our museum would be a very nice addition to that effort,” said Kisselgoff.
Located behind Victoriaville Mall, he explained the museum would benefit from the opening of Victoria Street and Victoria Avenue down to Brodie St.
Kisselgoff added that the museum is also a neighbour to an antique shop and not far from the Thunder Bay Museum, making it a favourable location near to the same route for tourists to attend.
“They’re quite close to the landing of the cruise ships. So, we hope that these tourists will attend as well,” said Kisselgoff.
