List of museums in Nova Scotia facts for kids

Welcome to Nova Scotia, a province in Canada with a rich history and lots of cool places to explore! One of the best ways to learn about Nova Scotia's past, its people, and its amazing nature is by visiting its many museums. These special places collect and take care of interesting objects, from old tools and clothes to giant dinosaur fossils and historic ships. They share these treasures with you through fun exhibits and stories. Whether you love art, history, science, or even old trains, there's a museum in Nova Scotia just for you!

Discover Nova Scotia's Awesome Museums

Nova Scotia is home to many different kinds of museums. Let's explore some of the most exciting ones!

History and Heritage Museums

These museums take you back in time to see how people lived, worked, and played in Nova Scotia.

• Acadian House Museum in West Chezzetcook: Step into a historic house and see what life was like for early Acadian families.
• Africville Museum in Halifax: Learn about the important history of Africville, a community that once stood on the shores of Halifax Harbour.
• Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck: Discover the incredible life and inventions of Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone!
• Annapolis Valley Macdonald Museum in Middleton: This museum has a bit of everything! See local history, a collection of old clocks, and even a 1940s general store.
• Antigonish Heritage Museum in Antigonish: Explore the local history of the Antigonish area.
• Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia in Cherry Brook: Dive into the rich history and culture of Black Nova Scotians.
• Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Shelburne: Learn about the fascinating story of the Black Loyalists who settled in Nova Scotia.
• Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax: This historic spot was where many immigrants first arrived in Canada. Discover their amazing journeys and stories.
• Canso Islands National Historic Site in Canso: Visit a visitor center with exhibits about local history and the old Grassy Island Fort.
• Colchester Historeum in Truro: Explore the history of the Colchester area.
• Cossit House in Sydney: Step into an 18th-century house with guides dressed in old-fashioned clothes, showing you what life was like long ago. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Dartmouth Heritage Museum in Dartmouth: This museum runs two historic houses: the 18th-century Quaker House and the Victorian-era Evergreen House.
• Fishermen's Life Museum in Jeddore Oyster Pond: See what a fisherman's house looked like in the early 1900s. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Fort Anne National Historic Site in Annapolis Royal: Explore the ruins of an old fort and learn about over 400 years of military history.
• Fort Edward National Historic Site in Windsor: Check out an 18th-century blockhouse with interesting exhibits.
• Fortress of Louisbourg in Louisbourg: This is a super cool place! It's a reconstructed 18th-century French town where you can see what life was like with people dressed in period costumes.
• Fultz House in Lower Sackville: Learn about the local history of the Sackville area.
• Grand-Pré National Historic Site in Wolfville: Discover the history and culture of the Acadians and their journey.
• Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in Halifax: Explore a 19th-century fort with live demonstrations that make history come alive.
• Haliburton House Museum in Windsor: Visit the home of famous author Thomas Chandler Haliburton, part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou: See a replica of the 18th-century ship Hector, which brought Scottish settlers to Nova Scotia. There's also a blacksmith shop and other cool exhibits.
• Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach in Iona: This is a living museum that shows what a Scottish Gaelic village looked like in the early 1800s. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Jost House in Sydney: Explore an 18th-century house with rooms decorated from different time periods.
• Le Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse in Pubnico: Another living museum, this one shows an early 20th-century Acadian village. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte: Step back into the 1940s in this village museum.
• O'Dell House Museum in Annapolis Royal: Visit a Victorian-era stagecoach inn and tavern.
• Old Meeting House Museum in Barrington: See an 18th-century meeting house, which was a place for worship and community gatherings. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Perkins House Museum in Liverpool: Explore an 18th-century house and learn about early Nova Scotian life. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Port-Royal National Historic Site in Granville Ferry: This site recreates an early 17th-century French colony with costumed interpreters.
• Prescott House Museum in Starr's Point: Visit a mid-19th-century manor home of a famous gardener, Charles Ramage Prescott. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Ross Farm Museum in New Ross: Experience a working farm from the 19th century.
• Ross-Thomson House & Store Museum in Shelburne: See an 18th-century store and house, part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Scott Manor House in Bedford: This 18th-century house has artifacts from local history.
• Sherbrooke Village Museum in Sherbrooke: This is a large living museum that shows what a typical Nova Scotian village was like from 1860 to before World War I. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Sinclair Inn Museum in Annapolis Royal: Explore an 18th-century inn.
• SS Atlantic Heritage Park in Terence Bay: Learn about the sinking of the SS Atlantic in 1873 and see recovered artifacts.
• Uniacke Estate Museum Park in Mount Uniacke: Visit an early 19th-century Georgian estate with beautiful old furniture. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Yarmouth County Museum & Archives in Yarmouth: Discover the local history of Yarmouth County.

Art and Culture Museums

These museums celebrate creativity, art, and the unique cultures of Nova Scotia.

• Acadia University Art Gallery in Wolfville: Check out art exhibits at Acadia University.
• Alderney Landing in Dartmouth: This spot includes an art gallery.
• Anna Leonowens Gallery in Halifax: Part of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University, this gallery shows modern art, crafts, and design.
• Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax: See amazing art, including the famous house and folk art by Maud Lewis. There's also a branch in Yarmouth.
• Cape Breton University Art Gallery in Sydney: Find art exhibits at Cape Breton University.
• Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique: Learn about and enjoy the lively Celtic music of the region.
• Charles Macdonald Concrete House Museum in Centreville: See the unique art and home of Nova Scotia artist Charles Macdonald.
• Crombie House in New Glasgow: This museum displays Canadian art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Dalhousie Arts Centre in Halifax: Part of Dalhousie University, it has a contemporary art gallery.
• deGarthe Gallery in Peggys Cove: See the works of painter and sculptor William E. deGarthe in his former home.
• Khyber Centre for the Arts in Halifax: A center for contemporary art.
• Les Trois Pignons in Chéticamp: An Acadian cultural center with a Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life, showing local history and culture.
• Lunenburg Art Gallery in Lunenburg: Explore art in the historic town of Lunenburg.
• Mary E. Black Gallery in Halifax: This gallery showcases modern crafts and design.
• MSVU Gallery in Halifax: Part of Mount Saint Vincent University, it focuses on contemporary art, especially by and about women.
• Port Loggia Gallery in Halifax: Another gallery from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University.
• Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in Canning: An art center with a gallery.
• Saint Mary's University Art Gallery in Halifax: Part of Saint Mary's University, featuring contemporary art.
• St. Francis Xavier University Art Gallery in Antigonish: See art exhibits at St. Francis Xavier University.
• U.N.I.A. Cultural Museum in Glace Bay: Learn about the history and contributions of African Nova Scotians.
• Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre in Wagmatcook: Discover the rich history and culture of the Mi’kmaq People.

Science, Nature, and Technology Museums

These museums are perfect for curious minds who love science, nature, and how things work.

• Blue Beach Fossil Museum in Hantsport: See amazing fossils of ancient animals (tetrapods), fish, and plants.
• Cape Breton Fossil Centre in Sydney Mines: Explore plant fossils from the Sydney coal field.
• Discovery Centre in Halifax: A hands-on science museum where you can experiment and learn.
• Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro: Learn about geology, rocks, minerals, and fossils, especially from the famous Bay of Fundy. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Joggins Fossil Centre in Joggins: Discover incredible fossils from the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Marconi National Historic Site in Glace Bay: Visit the site of Guglielmo Marconi's first transatlantic wireless station, where he sent the first wireless messages across the Atlantic Ocean!
• Mastodon Ridge in Stewiacke: See mastodon bones found in the area and learn about the Bay of Fundy.
• Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in Halifax: Explore the natural world of Nova Scotia, from animals to plants. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Parrsboro Rock & Mineral Shop & Museum in Parrsboro: See a collection of fossils, rocks, and minerals.
• St. Mary's River Association Education and Interpretive Centre in Sherbrooke: Learn about salmon, local wildlife, and river ecology.
• Thomas McCulloch Museum in Halifax: Part of Dalhousie University, this museum has preserved bird specimens, corals, shells, insects, and butterflies.
• Whale Interpretive Centre in Pleasant Bay: Learn all about whales and their lives in the ocean.

Maritime and Transportation Museums

Explore Nova Scotia's deep connection to the sea and its history of travel.

• Age of Sail Heritage Centre in Port Greville: Discover the area's history of shipbuilding and lumbering.
• Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum in Enfield: See planes and learn about Atlantic Canada's aviation history.
• Avon Heritage Museum in Avondale: Learn about local maritime history and the Avon River.
• Bangor Sawmill Museum in Bangor: See a restored 19th-century water-powered sawmill.
• Cape Forchu Lighthouse in Cape Forchu: Visit a museum inside a lighthouse keeper's quarters.
• Dory Shop Museum in Shelburne: Watch how traditional dory boats are built in this working shop, part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Firefighters' Museum of Nova Scotia in Yarmouth: See vintage firefighting equipment and learn about the brave history of firefighters. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic in Lunenburg: Explore the history of fishing and maritime life in Nova Scotia. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Fort Point Lighthouse in Liverpool: Visit a lighthouse and keeper's house with costumed guides and maritime history exhibits.
• Sackville|K181|6 in Halifax: Tour a real 1940s World War II corvette ship, open in the summer.
• Halifax and South Western Railway Museum in Lunenburg: See a 1940s stationmaster's office and a model railroad.
• Lady Vanessa Fisheries Exhibit in Digby: Explore a 98-foot fishing vessel that is now a museum ship.
• LaHave Islands Marine Museum in LaHave: Learn about the history of inshore fishing and life on the LaHave Islands.
• Louisbourg Marine Museum in Louisbourg: Discover marine life, shipwreck artifacts, and fishing history.
• Musée La Pirogue in Chéticamp: Learn about the local fishing industry.
• Musquodoboit Railway Museum in Musquodoboit Harbour: Explore railway history.
• Northumberland Fisheries Museum in Pictou: Learn about the area's fishing industry and sea heritage. It has three sites, including a former railway station and a replica lighthouse.
• Nova Scotia Lighthouse Interpretive Centre in Port Bickerton: Located at the Port Bickerton Lighthouse, this center has exhibits on lighthouses in Nova Scotia.
• Orangedale Railway Museum in Orangedale: Visit an 1886 railroad station with artifacts and a model railroad.
• Out of the Fog Lighthouse Museum in Half Island Cove: Learn about what life was like on a lightstation.
• Shearwater Aviation Museum in Shearwater: Discover the history of Canadian maritime military aviation.
• Sport Tuna Fishing Museum and Interpretive Centre in Wedgeport: See equipment, photos, and memorabilia from sport tuna fishing.
• Sydney & Louisburg Railway Museum in Louisbourg: Learn about the history of the Sydney & Louisburg Railway, which transported coal.
• W. L. Sweeney Fisheries Museum in Yarmouth: Explore a simulation of a traditional fishing wharf with sheds, decks, and a coastal freighter.

Military Museums

These museums honor the brave men and women who served and tell stories of military history.

• Cape Breton Highlanders Museum in Sydney: Learn about the history of the 2nd Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders.
• Cornwallis Military Museum in Clementsport: Discover the history of CFB Cornwallis.
• Debert Military Museum in Debert: See military artifacts and learn about the history of CFS Debert.
• Fort Petrie Military Museum in New Victoria: Explore military history.
• Greenwood Military Aviation Museum in Greenwood: Learn about military aviation in Atlantic Canada.
• Maritime Command Museum in Halifax: Discover the history of the Canadian Forces Maritime Command.
• Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum in Amherst: Learn about the history of The Nova Scotia Highlanders.
• Royal Canadian Legion Military Museum in Dartmouth: Explore military history.
• Western Counties Military Museum in Barrington: Learn about military history in the western counties.

Other Unique Museums

Nova Scotia has some truly special museums that don't fit into just one category!

• Anne Murray Centre in Springhill: Celebrate the life and career of famous singer Anne Murray.
• Cape Breton Miner's Museum in Glace Bay: Learn about coal mining and even take an underground tour of a mine!
• Creamery Square Heritage Centre in Tatamagouche: This center includes the Giantess Anna Swan Museum, local history, and exhibits on ancient fossils.
• Milton Blacksmith Shop Museum in Milton: See a working blacksmith shop with old tools and equipment.
• Moose River Gold Mines Museum in Moose River Gold Mines: Learn about gold mining in the area.
• Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton: Explore the history of industries in Nova Scotia, including mines, factories, and railroads. It's part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in Halifax: Celebrate outstanding athletes and teams from Nova Scotia.
• Rossignol Cultural Centre in Liverpool: This huge complex has many museums, including ones about hunting, fishing, Mi’kmaq history, wildlife, and folk art.
• Sherman Hines Museum of Photography in Liverpool: See old cameras and images from important figures in Nova Scotian photography.
• Springhill Miners' Museum in Springhill: Learn about the history of coal mining in the Springhill area.
• Sutherland Steam Mill Museum in Denmark: See a restored steam-powered woodworking mill from the 1890s, part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Sydney Steel Plant Museum in Sydney: Discover the history of the Sydney Steel Corporation.
• Wile Carding Mill in Bridgewater: See a water-powered wool carding mill, part of the Nova Scotia Museum.
• Windsor Hockey Heritage Centre in Windsor: Learn about the history of ice hockey, which many believe started in Windsor!

Museums of the Past

Sometimes museums close, but their stories are still part of history!

• Bras d'Or Lakes & Watershed Interpretive Centre in Baddeck: This museum closed in 2014.
• Wild Blueberry & Maple Centre in Oxford: This center closed in 2009.