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The Canadian Museum of History is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg. This land has held, and continues to hold, great historical, spiritual and sacred significance. Read the full land acknowledgement.

Admission Getting here Accessibility
Admission Getting here Accessibility
Side exterior of Canadian Museum of History building.

What’s on

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Gold crown
Temporary exhibition

First Royals of Europe

Discover the origins of power and inequity in ancient Europe.

Until Jan. 19, 2025
A view of the lower body of the Monument, lying on its side. The large cylindrical shape is covered with carved faces set within a bright orange grid.
Ongoing exhibition

Indian Residential School Memorial Monument

An invitation for all of us to bear witness

The Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa features a room adorned with numerous totem poles.
Ongoing exhibition

Grand Hall

Explore Northwest Indigenous cultures in an iconic space

Ongoing exhibition

First Peoples Hall

Celebrate the diversity, history and achievements of Indigenous people in Canada

The Canadian Museum of History, located in Ottawa, is home to numerous exhibits.
Ongoing exhibition

The Canadian History Hall

Journey through millennia of Canadian history

See what’s on at the Children’s Museum
View all events and programming

Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid

A fun and entertaining experience that brings people together and fosters a spirt of cooperation Play with the giant dominos distributed across several stations, creating an infinite variety of musical and luminous effects in the process. Topple the dominos in a long cascade and enjoy the results as the domino orchestra plays a unique musical work in an illuminated rainbow of pastel hues! Every set features a different sound profile (vocals, percussion, marimba, balafon or flute), and every domino has its own sound. Join forces with other players to set up the dominos faster and trigger the next cascade, or nudge them in the opposite direction to reverse the sound sequence. With its vintage tropical colours, the interactive and collaborative effet domino experience makes for a positive, invigorating outing to help you thumb your nose at the winter gloom! November 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025

Giant dominos

Illuminating Curiosity: Explore the Wonders of Light and Glow!

Shine a little light on winter’s darkness with light-themed activities! This time of year reminds us of the importance of light and warmth through the long winter nights. Step into the magic of the holiday season at the Canadian Children’s Museum, where we are lighting up the darkest days of the year! Enjoy hands-on fun as you play with light in glowing experiments, illuminating activities, and bright discoveries. Spark wonder and create lasting memories through this playful, family-friendly experience. November 21, 2024 to January 12, 2025

A boy looking at coloured lights

Neon Creations: Glow-in-the-Dark Marble Painting

Join us in the Studio for an unforgettable glow-in-the-dark marble-painting experience! Unleash your creativity as you swirl vibrant colours together, then watch your masterpiece come to life under the glow of neon lights. Perfect for artists of all ages, this one-of-a-kind activity combines the fun of marble painting with glow-in-the dark magic. November 21, 2024 to January 12, 2025

Colourful splatter pattern, on black background

The Wild Robot at CINÉ+

On December 28 and January 3, see the latest animated adventure from DreamWorks, a magnificent film about the environment, family, caring and kindness. Follow the epic journey of a robot — the ROZZUM unit 7134, or “Roz” for short — who, after being shipwrecked on an uninhabited island, must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings by gradually building relationships with the animals that live there. Roz ends up becoming the adoptive parent of a gosling who has unfortunately been orphaned, receiving unexpected guidance in her new parental role from a fox. This powerful story centres on self-discovery. It sensitively explores what it means “to be” in the world, as well as our connection to living beings in all their forms.   Museum Members will enjoy a private screening on January 4. Reserve your ticket!

A robot and a fox

Museum’s dazzling outdoor tree

Come admire the Museum’s dazzling outdoor tree throughout the holiday season. Adorned with 25,000 of red, white and green lights, the tree will illuminate the Museum’s Plaza until January 12, 2025.

Christmas Tree

Digital on demand

Video

Black Life: Untold Stories – Remarks and Panel Discussion

A woman with straight black hair partially up in a bun looks at the camera
Resource

Artifactuality podcast

A screen shot showing several faces
Online exhibition

Shaping Canada

Video

Behind the Scenes… Early Holiday Cards

Video

Listening to Indigenous voices

Nine Olympic torches grouped by 3 with different backgrounds
Exhibitions , Museum research

Olympic Torches: Sparking Conversations About Sport and Society