Ottawa museums are a must-see for any history buff or art lover visiting the city. From the Canadian Museum of History to the National Gallery of Canada, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular museums in Ottawa, including the types of art and artifacts on display, special exhibitions, and the availability of guided tours.
Canadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History, located in Gatineau, Quebec, just across the Ottawa River from Ottawa, is one of the most popular museums in the city. The museum’s collection spans over one million years of human history, with a focus on Canada’s Indigenous peoples and the country’s cultural heritage.
Art and artifacts on display
The museum’s permanent collection includes a wide range of artifacts, including ancient tools and weapons, traditional clothing and textiles, and works of art. Some of the highlights include the world’s largest collection of totem poles, as well as the famous “Spirit of Haida Gwaii” sculpture by Bill Reid.
Special exhibitions
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often focus on specific aspects of Canadian history or culture, and can include everything from art and artifacts to interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
Guided tours
Guided tours of the museum are available, and are a great way to learn more about the collection and the history of Canada. Tour guides are knowledgeable and can provide insight into the cultural significance of the artifacts on display.
National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is located in downtown Ottawa and is home to one of the most impressive collections of art in the country. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of works, from ancient to contemporary art, with a focus on Canadian and Indigenous art.
Art and artifacts on display
The museum’s permanent collection includes over 90,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Some of the highlights include works by famous Canadian artists such as Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, and Lawren Harris, as well as a large collection of Indigenous art.
Special exhibitions
The National Gallery of Canada regularly hosts special exhibitions, many of which are focused on specific artists or themes. These exhibitions can include anything from traditional art to modern and contemporary art, and can be a great way to learn about different art movements and styles.
Guided tours
Guided tours of the National Gallery of Canada are available, and are a great way to learn more about the collection and the history of art. Tour guides are knowledgeable and can provide insight into the cultural significance of the works on display.
Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum is located in Ottawa, and is dedicated to preserving and interpreting Canada’s military heritage. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of artifacts, from weapons and uniforms to works of art and photographs, and covers Canada’s military history from the earliest days to the present.
Art and artifacts on display
The museum’s permanent collection includes over 500,000 artifacts, including weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and works of art. Some of the highlights include the famous “Afghanistan: A Canadian Story” exhibition, which tells the story of Canada’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan, and the “Forged in Fire” exhibition, which explores the impact of war on society and the human experience.
Special exhibitions
In addition to the permanent collection, the Canadian War Museum also hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often focus on specific aspects of Canada’s military history, and can include everything from artifacts and personal stories to interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
Guided tours
Guided tours of the Canadian War Museum are available, and are a great way to learn more about the collection and the history of Canada’s military. Tour guides are knowledgeable and can provide insight into the cultural significance of the artifacts on display.
Canadian Museum of Nature
The Canadian Museum of Nature is located in Ottawa, and is dedicated to promoting an understanding of the natural world and its inhabitants. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of artifacts, from fossils and minerals to live animals, and covers the natural history of Canada and the world.
Art and artifacts on display
The museum’s permanent collection includes over 10 million specimens, including fossils, minerals, and live animals. Some of the highlights include the famous “Blue Whale” skeleton, as well as the “Earth’s Treasures” exhibit, which features a wide range of minerals and gems.
Special exhibitions
In addition to the permanent collection, the Canadian Museum of Nature also hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often focus on specific aspects of natural history, and can include everything from fossils and animals to interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
Guided tours
Guided tours of the Canadian Museum of Nature are available, and are a great way to learn more about the collection and the natural world. Tour guides are knowledgeable and can provide insight into the scientific significance of the artifacts on display.
In conclusion, Ottawa is home to a wide range of museums, each with its unique collection and exhibitions. The Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada, Canadian War Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature are among the most popular museums in the city. Each of these museums offers a rich cultural experience and a great way to learn more about the history, art and natural world. So, whether you’re a history buff, art lover or just looking for something interesting to do, Ottawa’s museums are a great place to start.
