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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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Temporary exhibition

Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s

Until Jan. 18, 2026
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

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

A man and a woman standing in front of a door at the Canadian Museum of History, in Ottawa.
Ongoing exhibition

The Canadian Stamp Collection

Experience Canada in miniature through an outstanding collection of more than 3,000 stamps — every stamp ever issued in Canada! — and the fascinating stories behind them.

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

Panorama Patio

Thursdays to Saturdays, from June 19 to September 6, 2025 Looking for a trendy hangout spot this summer? The Panorama Patio mixes breathtaking views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill with the incredible sunsets, beautiful gardens, fresh air, and warm temperatures we’ve all been craving! Open to both Museum visitors and the public, the Patio offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere with cozy lounge seating and tables with a view. The ideal spot to sip a local craft beer or signature cocktail alongside delicious and creative tapas-style sharing plates, classic favorites and a children’s menu. This summer, enjoy a fun live music performances and great atmosphere as you soak in breathtaking views from the Panorama Patio and savour tasty food and drinks. Don’t forget to tag @CanMusHistory when you visit us! Consult the menus! (PDF files) Menu – Panorama Patio Menu – Panorama Patio – Cocktails

Four people seated outside

Spotlight on Retro – Discover Popular Music in Canada

During your visit to Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, take part in interactive activities that explore Canada’s musical history. Learn how artists used music to express social and political themes, while also engaging in musical collaboration and innovation. Rediscover or learn about landmark songs from three formative decades in Canadian popular music, and test your knowledge in quizzes. June 6, 2025 to January 18, 2026

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Retro Concert Series: Live – Michel Pagliaro

Join us for an unforgettable evening with legendary Montréal rocker Michel Pagliaro (PAG) as he takes the stage for a special electric show that traces the arc of his storied career. Since first stepping into a studio in 1965, PAG has been a driving force in Canadian music, bridging cultures, genres and generations with his iconic songs. From radio anthems beloved by both anglophones and francophones to deep cuts that reveal his artistry as a musician, producer and engineer, Pagliaro’s work has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Now, PAG revisits his greatest hits and hidden gems — offering fans a closer, more personal connection to the music. Backed by a hand-picked group of talented musicians who match his spirit, this is a chance to experience the heart and soul of a rock pioneer. Presented in connection with the new exhibition Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, this concert is a celebration of an era and a reminder of PAG’s enduring influence.

A man

Retro Concert Series: Live – The Grapes of Wrath and The Northern Pikes

Get ready for a night of unforgettable Canadian rock as two legendary bands take the stage to celebrate Retro, a landmark exhibition exploring the explosive cultural force of popular music from the 1960s through the 1980s. With their lush, ’60s-inspired pop-rock sound, The Grapes of Wrath were a defining voice of Canadian music in the late ’80s and early ’90s. From the haunting beauty of “All the Things I Wasn’t” to the radio staples “Peace of Mind” and “Backward Town,” their timeless hits continue to resonate. Inducted into the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2018, this iconic band is a perfect match for a night steeped in nostalgia and musical evolution. Joining them are fellow icons The Northern Pikes, a band with roots in Saskatoon whose career has left an indelible mark on the Canadian rock landscape. With platinum and gold albums and enduring hits like “She Ain’t Pretty” and “Girl With a Problem,” The Northern Pikes bring their signature sound and high-energy performance style to the celebration. Together, these two powerhouses will electrify the night with a concert that pays tribute to a transformative era in Canadian music. Whether you grew up with their songs or are discovering them anew, this is a must-see event that bridges generations of fans. Step back in time. Feel the energy. Celebrate the “retro” in all of us.

Musicians

Retro Concert Series: Celebrating 45 years of the Ottawa Jazz Festival with Jay Douglas

Join us for a vibrant evening of music as we celebrate 45 years of the Ottawa Jazz Festival with a special concert headlined by the legendary Jay Douglas, whose soulful blend of jazz, reggae and R&B has captivated audiences worldwide. He’ll be joined by Kelly Lee Evans, creating a powerful tribute to the past, present and future of jazz. This is more than a concert — it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring power of music. Don’t miss the chance to explore Jay Douglas’s personal artifacts as part of the Museum’s Retro exhibition. Dive into the rich evolution of Canadian music and get an exclusive look at the objects that have shaped Jay’s journey as an artist. Join us for an evening of incredible music and history as we celebrate the Ottawa Jazz Festival’s rich legacy and Jay’s lasting contribution to the world of jazz. A night not to be missed!

A woman and a man

An evening with Bruce Cockburn, Canadian musical icon

Join us for an intimate talk with one of Canada’s most revered artists, Bruce Cockburn, as he sits down with curator Judith Klassen for a heartfelt conversation about his music, his journey, and the enduring legacy of his work. Presented in connection with the exhibition Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, this special event offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the social, political, and deeply personal power of music. With a career spanning five decades, Cockburn has written more than 350 songs across 38 albums — a remarkable body of work shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. As part of the Retro exhibition, visitors can also view the handwritten lyrics to his iconic and uncompromising song “If I Had a Rocket Launcher,” a powerful artifact that speaks to the depth and urgency of his songwriting. Through stories, reflections, and shared memories, Cockburn and Klassen will explore the moments that shaped his music and its lasting place in Canadian culture. Whether you’ve followed his work for years or are just discovering it now, this promises to be a warm, thoughtful and inspiring evening with a true musical legend.

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Digital on demand

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Exploring big ideas through culture

In the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa, a woman gracefully holds a dress in front of a camera.
Collections

Behind the Scenes… Featuring Mitsou Gélinas!

Judith Klassen, Curator of Cultural Expression, is your host as this video takes you behind the scenes of the Canadian Museum of History with special guest and Québécoise cultural icon, Mitsou. Explore the Museum’s acquisitions process through the eyes of both a curator and a donor. Judith Klassen, Curator… Read More

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Collections chronicles: Maple sugar moulds

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Refugees in Canada pay it forward

A window into Canadian worldviews

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An evening with Perdita Felicien