Trying to think of something exciting to do during your staycation this summer? Winnipeg is home to many fantastic museums. Some are even located right in your neighbourhood! Here are just a few that encompass Manitoba’s history, culture and community:
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Located at the historic Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the realization of a dream of the late philanthropist Israel Asper. It is the first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. An unconventional design by Antoine Predock, it stands as a beacon for the struggle to achieve equal human rights for all.
The Royal Canadian Mint
Visit this high-tech, high-volume manufacturing facility where coins from more than 75 countries around the world are made. Every single coin in Canadian circulation gets it start here, resulting in billions being made every year. The interactive coin museum allows visitors to strike their own coin or hold a pure gold bar worth over $700,000.
Fort Gibraltar
Originally built in 1809, Fort Gibraltar was a North West Company trading post and played a crucial role in the development of the Red River Colony, as well the conflict between the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company. Today, the fort is a step back in time as it depicts life in the Red River Valley from 1815 to 1821. Explore the history and lifestyle of the Metis, settlers, explorers, voyageurs and Indigenous people who lived and passed through here.
Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum
Come and explore the rich history of this museum located at the heart of St. Boniface for over 170 years, and has called one of the oldest buildings in Winnipeg its home since 1967. It is highly regarded as a keeper of both Francophone and Métis heritage.
Dalnavert Museum
Nestled in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, this museum will transport you back to the Victorian era. Built in 1895, it was once the home of Sir Hugh John Macdonald (son of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald). Explore one of Canada’s finest examples of Queen Anne revival architecture and discover the lives, history and culture of the people who lived during this time.
Winnipeg Art Gallery
This iconic building in downtown Winnipeg was designed in 1969 by Winnipeg’s own Gustavo da Roza and features more than 27,000 works of art. It also includes one of the largest collections of Inuit art in the world and will soon open the WAG Inuit Art Centre in late 2020. The galleries feature local Manitoba and Canadian artists along with international works. The WAG is also home to one of the most sought-after gift shops in the city.
Manitoba Museum
Take a journey through the human and natural history of Manitoba. The museum features the newly created Winnipeg Gallery as well as a stampeding herd of bison. Discover the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this area and then take a walk through a Cree settlement. Relive Manitoba’s fur trading past with HBC themed exhibits and a full scale replica of the Nonsuch ship. Looking to the stars? Then head to the lower level and take in a show at the Planetarium.
Science Gallery at the Manitoba Museum
Interested in technology and illustion? The Science Gallery is also located in the lower level of the Manitoba Museum. Hands-on exhibits let you become the scientist as you explore the concepts of stop action movies, pulleys, the Lake Winnipeg watershed and more.
Manitoba Electrical Museum
Embark on a journey through Manitoba’s electrical history. Located on Harrow Street, you can learn the story of hydroelectric development in Manitoba from 1870 to today. This unique experiential museum guides visitors through the safe and efficient use of electricity and demonstrates how electrical energy works through visual as well as hands-on experiences.
Winnipeg Railway Museum
At the center of Canada, Winnipeg has always been an important hub for railway travel. Located inside Union Station, this small but fascinating museum takes you into the city’s railroading past with authentic artifacts including the Countess of Dufferin, the first steam locomotive on the Canadian prairies at almost 150 years old.
Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
Although this museum is currently closed, it still bears mentioning since an exciting new location is currently being built on the Winnipeg Airports
Authority’s campus, so look for it in 2021. The new Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada will contain both a foundation of history and a new mix of engaging and educational spaces that interpret the future of aviation and aerospace.
Please visit the individual museum websites for operating hours, closures and policies. And wherever you travel throughout the province this summer, please remember to continue to practise physical distancing and be COVID careful.
— For more Manitoba travel ideas please visit www.travelmanitoba.com