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

Temporary exhibition
Until Jan. 18, 2026
Get tickets

Reignite the soundtrack of your youth and relive the moments that shaped a generation. This unforgettable exhibition takes you on a journey through the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s — decades when music wasn’t just entertainment, but a voice for change, identity and connection. Feel the rush of nostalgia as you explore iconic objects, handwritten lyrics, and the sounds of artists like Céline Dion, k.d. lang, Kashtin and Rush.

Discover music that turned the tables and left its mark on an entire generation.

An exhibition developed by the Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau.

Presented by:

Logo - Power Corporation of Canada, 1925-2025

Temporary exhibition
Until Jan. 18, 2026
Get tickets

What a wonderful evening!

Thank you for attending the opening night for Retro at the Canadian Museum of History on June 5.

We look forward to seeing you again.

Museum interior

Activities

Vinyl record

Spotlight on Retro – Discover Popular Music in Canada

June 6, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Included with admission

A woman

Coffee With the Curator: Dr. Judith Klassen on Pop Music in Canada

September 3, 2025
$10 + tax

A man

Retro Concert Series: Michel Pagliaro – Live acoustic show

September 19, 2025
Starting from $30

Musicians

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

September 26, 2025
Starting from $50

A woman and a man

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

October 10, 2025
Starting from $30

A man

An evening with Bruce Cockburn, Canadian musical icon

November 8, 2025
Starting from $40

Four people seated outside

Panorama Patio

Thursdays to Saturdays, until September 6
Cashless payment options only

Gift Shop

A book
Catalogue | $9.95
A t-shirt
T-shirt | $34.99
A mug
Mug | $12.99

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