The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is Canada's national museum dedicated to the history of aviation and aerospace technology. Located at the former Rockcliffe Airport in Ottawa, the facility houses an extensive collection of over 130 aircraft and artifacts that document the evolution of flight from the early pioneer era to modern space exploration.
The museum's collection includes significant historical aircraft such as the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow, the Canadarm, and the original nose section of the Avro Canada C102 Jetliner. The exhibits are housed in a large, climate-controlled hangar designed to showcase the technical achievements of Canadian and international aviation pioneers.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Steel, Glass, Concrete
- Civilization
- Canadian
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Date(s)
- 1988 (current facility)
- Condition
- Active, well-maintained
- Original Function
- Aviation museum and research facility
- Key Figures
- Wilfrid 'Wop' May, Elsie MacGill, Marc Garneau
Origins and Early Collection
1960sThe museum was established in 1964 at the Rockcliffe Airport, consolidating various military and civil aviation collections held by the National Research Council and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Expansion and New Facility
1988To accommodate the growing collection and provide better preservation, a new, purpose-built facility was opened in 1988. This structure allowed for the indoor display of the museum's largest aircraft.
Modern Era and Renaming
2005-PresentIn 2005, the institution was renamed the Canada Aviation and Space Museum to better reflect its expanded mandate, which includes the history of Canadian space exploration and the country's contributions to international space programs.
Cultural Significance
The museum serves as the primary repository for Canada's aerospace heritage, preserving the technological legacy of the nation's bush pilots, military aviators, and space scientists. It plays a critical role in public education regarding the impact of aviation on Canada's vast geography and national development.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Discussions within the museum community often center on the balance between preserving original aircraft components versus restoring them to flight-ready or aesthetic display conditions, particularly regarding the ethical implications of altering historical artifacts.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily. Admission fees apply for adults, seniors, and students. Children under a certain age may be admitted free. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for seasonal hours and special event closures.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The museum is a popular destination for school groups during the academic year.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use. Tripods and professional lighting equipment require prior authorization from museum management.
Nearby POIs
7 shownKey Facts
- Materials
- Steel, Glass, Concrete
- Civilization
- Canadian
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible