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9 am – 5 pm

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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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Five women
Temporary exhibition

River of Dreams – Impressionism on the St. Lawrence

Until Aug. 30, 2026
Vinyl record
Temporary exhibition

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

Until Jan. 18, 2026
A man
Temporary exhibition

Wi’k+palu’k Sam Glodeo’q ta’n wetapeksitaq: Honouring the Belonging of Sam Glode

Until Nov. 29, 2026
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

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, 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

The Museum’s Christmas Market

An annual event not to be missed in the region From November 27 to 30, 2025, nearly 100 exhibitors await you in the majestic Grand Hall and the Douglas Cardinal Salon, inviting you to discover delightful products and unique handcrafted creations. You will find holiday decorations, artistic woodworking, glass items, gourmet food products, fine spirits, original jewellery, stunning fashion accessories, and much more! You will also meet talented artisans from diverse traditions, including Indigenous creators, who can speak to you about their authentic and varied works, offering a rich experience. This year’s event includes several new features, such as more exhibitors and more time for shopping with extended hours. Plus, enjoy free admission, a complimentary coat check, and an on-site ATM. The Market is the perfect place to do your holiday shopping in a festive and relaxed atmosphere. Don’t forget your gift list! November 27 to 30, 2025

Exterior of the Grand Hall, Canadian Museum of History

Cool History: Hockey

Discover the cool history behind Canada’s national winter sport! From its humble beginnings on local ponds to huge arenas filled with passionate fans, hockey has truly evolved through the years. Discover the fascinating history behind this winter sport, and try your hand at fun trivia games. Explore the origins of skating, the evolution of hockey gear, and women’s contributions to the sport, and learn about the Colored Hockey League. Uncover the lesser-known stories and shared culture that unite us all in this great game. Bring the whole family to join in the fun, as we celebrate the history of hockey! November 27, 2025 to April 12, 2026

Seven women

Illuminating Curiosity

Step into the magic of the holiday season at the Canadian Children’s Museum and the Canadian Museum of History. November 27, 2025 to January 18, 2026

A boy looking at coloured lights

Neon Creations: Glow-in-the-Dark Painting

Join us in the Studio for an unforgettable glow-in-the-dark painting experience! Unleash your creativity as you explore vibrant colours, then watch your masterpiece come to life under the glow of UV light. Perfect for artists of all ages, this one-of-a-kind activity combines the joy of painting with glow-in-the-dark magic. November 12, 2025 to January 18, 2026

A painting of three trees

Sparking Imagination: The Build-it! Zone

Let inspiration shine — then build it block by block. Begin your journey through Canada’s stories in the lighted hallway at the entrance to the Canadian History Hall — a space that celebrates the landmarks, activities and places that connect us from coast to coast to coast. It’s the perfect starting point for discovery, creativity and play. Then, step into our Build-it! Zone located at the Morning Star Mezzanine, where families can build, design and dream together using the giant blue blocks or Mega Bloks — a proudly Canadian invention. From this inspiring spot, you’ll enjoy views of Ottawa’s skyline, the river, and the Alexandra Bridge — a reminder of how imagination and connection shape the world around us. From the heights of the CN Tower to the welcoming glow of a lighthouse or the excitement of a hometown arena, let what you discover spark what you create. Together, build a landscape illuminated by imagination — one block at a time. November 27, 2025 to January 18, 2026

A corridor

Intro to the Grand Hall

Meet your Museum… ready, set, explore! Take 15 minutes to discover the Grand Hall with an interpretive presentation of the Museum’s signature space. Offered several times a day, our orientation will pique your curiosity and inspire the rest of your visit.

A tour guide

Digital on demand

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

Artifactuality podcast

Small-scale and sparsely labelled map of North America, with the word “Canada” visible near the centre.
Museum research

“Canada”: The complicated history of a name

Video

Collections chronicles: Armoires of New France

A museum gallery with superimposed virtual reality markers
Resource

Virtual Tour: Canadian History Hall

Video

Behind the Scenes… Early Holiday Cards

A striking drawing featuring a woman adorned with magnificent antlers creatively combined with a map of the world.
Online exhibition

Inuit Prints from Cape Dorset