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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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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
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Special Performance: New Blood: A Story of Reconciliation

Join us for a powerful and moving performance that delves into the life of Chief Vincent Yellow Old Woman. This heartfelt story recounts his painful yet inspiring journey from childhood in a residential school to reclaiming his heritage and ultimately becoming the Chief of his people. The performance is a tribute not only to Chief Yellow Old Woman but also to the strength of those affected by the residential school system. Each of the Blackfoot cast members shares their personal connection to this legacy, with many recounting how they, their parents, or their grandparents were victims of residential schools. Their stories of resilience and healing are woven throughout the performance, offering a profound reflection on reconciliation. The show features a unique blend of original poetry, including the poignant “The Indian in the Child,” music by Peter Gabriel, and a mix of contemporary and traditional Indigenous dance. This is more than just a performance — it’s a celebration of culture, survival, and the enduring spirit of a community.

Two people

A behind the scenes look at the Order of Sport Collection

Join us for this behind-the-scenes look at the Order of Sport Collection. Gain unique insights from Museum experts who work with artifacts from the world of sport every day. Curators, conservators, preparators, and experts in information management and collections management will come together for this special event and highlight what it takes to steward a world-class sports history collection. This bilingual 45-minute panel discussion will be followed by a Q & A session. Reception with cash bar (card payments only) — plus a mouthwatering Taco Bar available for purchase! Panellists: Joe Crupi, Exhibit Display Preparator Amanda Gould, Paper Conservator Nathalie Dubois, Documentalist, Artifacts Melanie Hugron, Collections Coordinator Moderators: Sarah Barnes, Curator, Sport and Leisure Chloé Ouellet-Riendeau, Assistant Curator, Sport History

A bicycle

Retro – Exhibition opening

Join us for the official opening of Retro – Popular Music in Canada From the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Be one of the first to see the exhibition and explore the enduring influence of popular music as you journey through different places and eras. This special evening will be an opportunity to celebrate popular music in Canada from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Event highlights: Official opening of the exhibition with host Mitsou Gélinas A live band that will have you up and dancing Sing your heart out with some Canadian karaoke Immortalize your evening at our “classic” 1980s-era photo booth Buy your very own copy of the exhibition’s souvenir catalogue And above all, lots of fun for everyone! Come decked out in your favourite retro outfit from the ’60s, ’70s or ’80s!

Vinyl record

Digital on demand

Video

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

Video

Twin Flames perform “Human” in the Grand Hall

Video

Refugees in Canada pay it forward

A window into Canadian worldviews

Video

An evening with Perdita Felicien