The Canadian Museum of Nature is a national natural history museum located in Ottawa, Ontario. Housed in the historic Victoria Memorial Museum Building, it serves as a repository for over 14.6 million specimens, including extensive collections of fossils, minerals, plants, and animals. The institution is dedicated to the study and public education of the natural world, with a particular focus on Canadian biodiversity and geological history.
The museum building itself is a significant example of late Gothic Revival architecture, designed by David Ewart and completed in 1912. Following a major renovation completed in 2010, the facility features a prominent glass atrium known as the 'Queens' Lantern,' which serves as the primary entrance and integrates modern structural elements with the original stone facade.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Nepean sandstone, Glass, Steel
- Civilization
- Canadian
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Date(s)
- 1905-1912
- Condition
- Fully restored and active
- Original Function
- National Museum of Canada
- Key Figures
- David Ewart, Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Establishment and Early Years
1905-1912The Victoria Memorial Museum Building was commissioned by the Canadian government to house the Geological Survey of Canada and the National Museum of Canada. Architect David Ewart designed the structure in a grand Gothic Revival style, intended to serve as a 'temple of science' for the nation.
Parliamentary Usage
1916-1920Following the devastating fire that destroyed the Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings in 1916, the House of Commons and the Senate temporarily relocated to the Victoria Memorial Museum Building, which served as the seat of Canadian government for four years.
Modernization and Renovation
2004-2010The museum underwent a comprehensive $216 million renovation to modernize its infrastructure and exhibition spaces. The project included the addition of the glass 'Queens' Lantern' atrium and the complete seismic retrofitting of the historic stone structure.
Cultural Significance
The museum acts as a central hub for Canadian natural history research and public engagement. It plays a vital role in national identity by documenting the country's vast biological and geological heritage, from Arctic ecosystems to prehistoric fossil records found within Canadian borders.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are required for entry and can be purchased online or at the box office. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for current exhibition schedules and holiday hours.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally quieter. The museum is a popular destination for school groups during the academic year, so visiting during late afternoon or weekends may offer a more relaxed experience.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted in most galleries. Flash photography and tripods are generally prohibited in special exhibition areas to protect sensitive specimens.
Nearby POIs
7 shownKey Facts
- Materials
- Nepean sandstone, Glass, Steel
- Civilization
- Canadian
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible