About the Corporation
Overview
The Canadian Museum of History is a federal Crown corporation, with responsibility for two national museums: the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum. Together, the Museums showcase this country’s human history, exploring the experiences of Canadians through the events, people, themes and objects that have helped shape the country, from earliest times to the present day.
In addition, the Corporation administers two virtual museum sites: the Virtual Museum of Canada and the Virtual Museum of New France.
Use of the terms “the Museum” and “the Corporation” in this document refers to the corporate entity.
Canadian Museum of History
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Canadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History is located on the banks of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, across from the country’s seat of national government on Parliament Hill. Welcoming more than 1 million visitors a year, the Museum’s primary role is to enhance knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Canada’s human history and identity, while also exploring other world cultures. The Museum is home to nearly four million artifacts and specimens, including some of Canada’s most important national treasures. Its exhibition spaces include the iconic Grand Hall, the thought-provoking First Peoples Hall and the monumental new Canadian History Hall. The Museum is also home to the Canadian Children’s Museum, the Canadian Stamp Collection and the CINÉ+ theatre, which screens large-format films.
Canadian War Museum
As Canada’s national museum of military history, the Canadian War Museum promotes understanding of that history in its personal, national and international dimensions. Home to an outstanding collection of artifacts — including the internationally renowned Beaverbrook Collection of War Art — the Museum welcomes more than half a million visitors each year to its striking building. As a national centre for remembrance, education and historical research, the Museum also facilitates informed discussion of military affairs past, present and future.
Virtual Museum of Canada
Administered by the Canadian Museum of History, the Virtual Museum of Canada investment program supports museums and heritage organizations across Canada in developing bilingual online projects — like virtual exhibits and educational resources — with a focus on Canadian history, heritage and culture. The program has recently been renewed, with new investment streams, a streamlined application process and a new website launching in the upcoming fiscal year.
Virtual Museum of New France
This innovative online project explores the history, culture and living legacy of early French settlements in North America. Covering an area from Acadia through the Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley to Louisiana, the site examines the human history and legacy of New France through themes that include economic activity, population and aspects of daily life ranging from food and entertainment to medicine and travel.