Mr. Tim Willis

Biography

“I believe that museums can change peoples’ lives.”

Tim Willis is one of Canada’s most experienced museum professionals. During his 25-year career, he has led the creation of more than 100 exhibitions, helped museums to shape their long-term visitor experience strategies and been a strong advocate for the power of museums to change and enrich peoples’ lives. After moving to Canada, Tim worked in private practice to plan several of Alberta’s heritage interpretive centres including Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

In the late 1980s, Tim joined the Royal Alberta Museum as head of exhibitions and marketing. Under Tim’s leadership, the Royal Alberta Museum developed one of the most active exhibition programs in Canada. From 2001 to 2006, he led the development of a new visitor experience—part of the Royal Alberta Museum’s $180 million renewal project. 

Joining the Royal BC Museum in September 2006, Tim’s focus was to create a long-term vision for the entire visitor experience. He also headed some of the museum’s most intriguing and successful exhibition projects. In 2013, Tim decided to work independently sharing his knowledge and experience with students and advising museums and other clients.