List of museums in Ottawa facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Ottawa, Canada's capital city, is a fantastic place to explore history, art, and science! The city and its surrounding area, known as the National Capital Region, are filled with amazing museums and galleries. You can find everything from huge national museums that are famous worldwide to smaller, unique galleries and even "living museums" where you can step back in time.

Canada's Big Museums

Ottawa is home to many of Canada's most important museums. These places tell incredible stories about our country's past, present, and future.

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Imagine a farm right in the city! The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is located on the Experimental Farm. It opened in 1983 and shows how farming science and technology have grown in Canada. You can learn about different animals and how food gets from the farm to your plate.

A building at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

Ready for takeoff? The Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Rockcliffe Park opened in 1982. It's Canada's national museum for planes and space travel. You'll see an amazing collection of aircraft and learn all about Canada's adventures in the sky and beyond!

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

Canada Science and Technology Museum

Discover cool inventions and scientific breakthroughs at the Canada Science and Technology Museum on St. Laurent Boulevard. Since 1967, this museum has shown Canada's history in science and technology. It's a great place to see how things work and how they've changed over time.

The Canada Science and Technology Museum building.

Canadian Museum of History

Just across the river in Hull, Quebec, is the Canadian Museum of History. Established in 1856, it's Canada's national history museum. It has a huge collection of items that tell the story of human history in Canada, from ancient times to today.

The Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.

Canadian Museum of Nature

Love animals and nature? The Canadian Museum of Nature in Centretown opened in 1968. It's Canada's national museum for natural history and science. You can explore dinosaurs, mammals, birds, and learn about the natural world around us.

The Canadian Museum of Nature building.

Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum in LeBreton Flats tells the story of Canada's military history. Since 1942, it has collected and shared stories about the wars and conflicts Canada has been involved in. It's a powerful place to learn about bravery and sacrifice.

The modern Canadian War Museum building.

National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre (NAC) in Centretown is Canada's main place for performing arts. Opened in 1965, it hosts many different shows, including music, dance, and theatre. It's a vibrant spot where artists share their talents.

The National Arts Centre building.

National Gallery of Canada

If you love art, the National Gallery of Canada in Lower Town is a must-see. Established in 1880, it's Canada's national art museum and one of the biggest in North America. You can see amazing paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from Canada and around the world.

The National Gallery of Canada.

Other Cool Museums and Galleries

Beyond the big national museums, Ottawa has many other interesting places to visit.

Bank of Canada Museum

Ever wondered about money? The Bank of Canada Museum in Centretown has a special collection of currency. You can learn about how money has changed over time and its role in Canada's economy.

Inside the Bank of Canada Museum.

Billings Estate Museum

Step back in time at the Billings Estate Museum in Alta Vista. This historic house from 1828 was home to an early settler family. Costumed guides will tell you stories about the city's past.

The historic Billings Estate Museum.

Bytown Museum

Learn about Ottawa's beginnings at the Bytown Museum in Centretown. This museum focuses on the city's early history and the building of the famous Rideau Canal.

The Bytown Museum building.

Canadian Photography Institute

Part of the National Gallery, the Canadian Photography Institute in Lower Town celebrates the art of photography. You can see incredible photos and learn about different photography techniques.

A view of the Canadian Photography Institute.

Carleton County Gaol

The Carleton County Gaol in Centretown is a former prison. You can take tours to learn about its history.

The historic Carleton County Gaol.

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Travel back to the 1920s and 1930s at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. This living museum in Cumberland shows what rural village life was like back then.

A building at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum.

Diefenbunker Museum

Explore a secret Cold War bunker at the Diefenbunker Museum in Carp. This underground facility was built to protect the Canadian government during a nuclear attack. It's a fascinating look at history!

The blast tunnel entrance at the Diefenbunker Museum.

Dominion Arboretum

The Dominion Arboretum on the Experimental Farm is a beautiful outdoor space. Started in 1889, it covers about 26 hectares (64 acres) and is home to many different trees and plants. It's a living museum of nature!

A giant willow tree in the Dominion Arboretum.

Laurier House National Historic Site

Visit the former home of two Canadian prime ministers at Laurier House National Historic Site in Centretown. You can learn about their lives and the history of Canada.

Laurier House National Historic Site.

Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada in Centretown is where Canada keeps its most important documents and records. They often have exhibits from their vast collections, showing pieces of Canadian history.

The Library and Archives Canada building.

Mackenzie King Estate

Just outside Ottawa in Kingsmere, Quebec, is the Mackenzie King Estate. This was the home of another former prime minister. You can take guided tours and see restored artifacts.

The home of Mackenzie King in Gatineau.

Ottawa Art Gallery

The Ottawa Art Gallery in Centretown showcases contemporary and 20th-century art. It's a great place to see modern art from local and national artists.

The Ottawa Art Gallery.

Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame

Are you a sports fan? The Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame in Kanata celebrates Ottawa's greatest athletes and sports moments. It's located in the Canadian Tire Centre.

The Canadian Tire Centre, home of the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame.

Parliament of Canada

Take a tour of the Parliament of Canada buildings in Centretown. You can learn about how Canada's government works and see beautiful architecture. They often have displays and exhibits about Canadian democracy.

The Centre Block and Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill.

Pinhey's Point Historic Site

The Pinhey's Point Historic Site in Dunrobin is a 19th-century estate home. It's a park and a living museum where you can explore history by the water.

An outbuilding at Pinhey's Point Historic Site.

Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall in Rockcliffe Park is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. You can take tours of the grounds and learn about this important historical site.

Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General.

Royal Canadian Mint

Visit the Royal Canadian Mint in Lower Town to see where Canadian coins are made. You can take interactive guided tours and learn about the history of money production in Canada.

The Royal Canadian Mint building.

Swords and Ploughshares Museum

In Kars, the Swords and Ploughshares Museum focuses on the "Citizen Soldier." It features many military trucks and vehicles, telling the story of reservists and militiamen in peace and war.

A Polsten 20 mm Quad AA Gun at the Swords and Ploughshares Museum.

Symmes National Historic Site of Canada

The Symmes Inn Museum in Aylmer, Quebec, is a catalyst for promoting local and regional history. It's a great place to learn about the area's past.

The main entrance of Auberge Symmes.

Watson's Mill

In Manotick, Watson's Mill is a historic 19th-century flour grist mill. You can see how grain was turned into flour long ago and learn about this important part of local history.

Watson's Mill in Manotick.

Images for kids

The Cartier Square Drill Hall, home to the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Museum.
A view of the Canadian Photography Institute.
The Carleton University Art Gallery.
Ben Franklin Place, home to the Centrepointe Theatre Gallery.
Ottawa City Hall, which houses City of Ottawa Art Galleries.
A building at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum.
A giant willow tree in the Dominion Arboretum.
A statue at Cartier Square, near the Governor General's Foot Guards Regimental Museum.
Ottawa City Hall at night, where the Karsh-Masson Gallery is located.
A building that houses the Lee Matasi Gallery.
A building at the University of Ottawa, home to the Museum of Classical Antiquities.
The Ottawa Library, where the Ottawa Room is located.
The logo of the Ottawa School of Art Galleries.
The main entrance of Auberge Symmes.