Winnipeg has over 25 different museums, reflecting its location in the West and its cultural diversity.
Aquatic Hall of Fame and Museum of Canada (SW)
25 Poseidon Bay (at Grant Ave)
(204) 9865890.
In 1967 Winnipeg first hosted the Pan-Am Games (it did so again in 1999). The jewel of the games was the Pan-Am Pool, which now houses the Aquatic Hall of Fame and Museum of Canada. The pool complex covers an area of more than 13 acres and the museum includes items dating back to over 5,000 years including a Pre-Columbian merman, a 1st Century B.C. Greco-Roman Strigil, copies of Olympic medals of 240 A.D. to recent ones of Canadians Sasa (Alex) Baumann and Sylvie Bernier. Artifacts, memorabilia, oil painting and poster displays are worth millions of dollars. The Aquatic Hall of Fame pays tribute to competitors in swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming. It also houses the famous Cutty Sark collection. Open: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Free admission.
Dalnavert Museum (Dtn)
61 Carlton Street, south of the Winnipeg Convention Centre and Broadway.
(204) 9432835.
The house is both a Provincial and National Historic Site. It was built in 1895 in the Queen Anne Revival style of architecture and is furnished with period furnishings. The original owner of “Dalnavert” was Sir Hugh John Macdonald (son of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister), Premier of Manitoba in 1900 and a Police Magistrate from 1911 until his death in 1929. Costumed guides tour visitors through the museum explaining about the original family, the memorabilia in each room and the restoration. Open daily (except Monday and Friday and national holidays), June to September, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; September to May, 12:00 noon to 4:30 p.m.; January and February open Saturday and Sunday only. Last tour is one-half hour before closing. Group tours of seven or more can be arranged with two weeks advance notice. Admission charge.
The Forks National Historic Site (W)
Pioneer Blvd off Water Ave
(204) 983-6757 (98-FORKS)
The junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers is owned and operated by Parks Canada. This special place commemorates the transformation of the Canadian West, and provides a wide variety of activities for all ages, including the Heritage Theatre, Children’s Programs and Theatrical Walking Tours. The Wall Through Time portrays 10,000 years of history. There are ongoing archaeological excavations. Enjoy walking along the riverfront promenade or join in many special events. Open year-round. Free admission to site, though some special events or programs may have costs.
Fort Garry Horse Museum and Archives (NW)
551 Machray Ave (at the corner of McGregor Street)
(204) 586-6298 (24 hour answering)
Located on the third floor of McGregor Armoury, depicting the history of the Regiment and of its Cavalry and Armoured Corps in Manitoba. Open Monday evenings or by prior appointment. Free admission free (donations accepted).
Grant’s Old Mill (W)
2777 Portage Avenue
(204) 986-5613 (summer) or (204) 837-1775
A replica of the original 1829 watermill on Sturgeon Creek, believed to be the first watermill west of the Great Lakes and the first instance of use of hydro power in Manitoba. Grist ground daily during summer and sold in souvenir bags. Open daily May to Labour Day. Admission charge.
Historical Museum of St. James-Assiniboia (W)
3180 Portage Avenue
(204) 888-8706
The Museum, housed in a 1911 municipal hall, exhibits of the history of settlement and the development of the St. James-Assiniboia area. Museum includes artifacts and photographs. William Brown House, located on the Museum grounds, is a Red River frame structure built by a settler in the late 1850’s. Heritage Days are celebrated here each August, featuring Scottish and Metis entertainment.
Ivan Franko Museum (NW)
200 McGregor Street (at Magnus)
(204) 5894397
The museum contains literary components dedicated to the life and work of the Ukrainian poet and writer, Ivan Franko. Exhibits include paintings and facsimiles of the first editions of his work, including the first Ukrainian translation of Shakespeare, Byron and other famous English, French and German writers. Contains embroideries, woodwork and other handicrafts. The Ukrainian Public Library beside the Museum has several hundred books in English, in addition to the Ukrainian volumes. By appointment only.
La Société Historique De Saint-Boniface (SE)
200, avenue de la Cathédrale, St. Boniface
(204) 233-4888
Mailing address: The Heritage Centre, s/o La Société historique de Saint-Boniface, 340 Provencher Blvd., Saint-Boniface, Manitoba, R2H 0G7
La Société maintains a library of some 6,000 books & brochures, an archives and museum collection of some 1,500 artifacts which commemorate historical events or persons. The archives and library are open weekdays 9 a.m. – 12 noon and 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The artifact collection is accessible. La Société also manages the Riel House National Historic Site.
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Living Prairie Museum (W)
2795 Ness Avenue
(204) 832-0167
The 16 hectare park has over 200 native plants of the unspoiled prairie. You may visit the park at any time throughout the year. The Park’s Reception Centre has displays on prairie history and ecology, and includes an automated slide show and a second story observation deck. The Living Prairie Museum opens the last weekend in April for the blooming of the Prairie Crocus, Manitoba’s provincial flower. Visitor Centre open April to the end of June, Sundays only from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 p.m., with a naturalist on hand; from July 1 until the Labour Day weekend open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with guided hikes offered periodically throughout the day, or you can take a self-guiding trail. Free admission, except for special events.
Marion And Ed Vickar Jewish Museum Of Western Canada & Holocaust Education Centre (SW)
123 Doncaster Street
(204) 477-7466
This museum shares the history, culture, experiences and achievements and culture of the Jewish people of Western Canada. The Diversity and Vitality: the Jewish Experience in Western Canada, tells the story of the settlement of Jews in Western Canada. The Holocaust Education Centre features Holocaust artifacts, imagery and memorabilia. Open year-round Sunday to Friday for 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Manitoba Children’s Museum (Dtn)
The Forks
(204) 956-KIDS
The new Manitoba Children’s Museum is open year round to delight children of all ages. This hands-on museum houses several new galleries including a vintage diesel locomotive and passenger coach, one looking at animals in their natural habitats, an updated television studio, and an interactive video gallery. When leaving, record your impressions in the video booth. Admission charge.
Manitoba Museum Of Man And Nature (Dtn)
190 Rupert Avenue and Main Street.
(204) 956-2830. Info Line 943-3139. Groups: 988-0626 Fax (204) 942-3679.
The Province’s largest heritage centre includes interpretive exhibits and galleries which explore the relationship of Manitobans to their environment: Earth History, Arctic-Subarctic, Boreal Forest, Grasslands, Nonsuch (replica of the 17th century ketch used for the first fur trading voyage to Manitoba), and Urban (Winnipeg development) galleries. Open year-round: May long weekend to Labour Day daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m; Rest of year: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; weekends and holidays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Mondays. Admission charged.
Manitoba Museum Of Man And Nature Planetarium (Dtn)
190 Rupert Ave. at Main St.
(204) 943-3139 Showtimes: (204) 943-3142
The Planetarium presents multimedia shows year-round under the 280 seat theatre dome. Open Tuesday through Sunday and holidays, closed Mondays. Admission charge.
Manitoba Museum Of Man And Nature Science Centre (Dtn)
190 Rupert Ave. at Main St.
(204) 943-3139
The Science Centre has nearly 100 exciting interactive exhibits for first-hand discovery and learning by visitors of all ages. Open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends and holidays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays. Admission charge.
Manitoba Sports Hall Of Fame And Museum (Dtn)
5th Floor, 450 Portage Ave (the Bay Store)
(204) 774-0002.
The Manitoba Sports Hall Of Fame showcases Manitoba sports memorabilia and is also home to the Manitoba Curling and Bowling Halls of Fame. Open year-round.
Mennonite Heritage Centre (SW)
600 Shaftesbury Boulevard
(204) 888-6781
The Centre, opened in 1980, contains western Canadian, Prussian and Russian Mennonite periodicals, manuscripts, documents, photos, etc. Heritage displays featured regularly. Open daily Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free admission.
Naval Museum Of Manitoba (Dtn)
51 Navy Way
(204) 943-7745
The museum has a collection of naval artifacts of the Canadian and British Navies from World War One to present. Not wheelchair accessible. Free admission.
Oseredok, The Ukrainian Cultural And Educational Centre (Dtn)
184 Alexander Avenue East
(204) 832-0218
This unique cultural facility combines a museum, art gallery, library, archives, education facility and a boutique. The museum’s exhibits include Ukrainian traditional folk costumes, embroidery, woodcarving, ceramics, pysanky (Easter eggs) and historical artifacts from the Ukraine and Canada. The art gallery has a permanent collection of Ukrainian fine art and also rotates exhibits by local, Ukrainian, Canadian and other artists. The reference library specializes in Ukrainian studies, and the archives has many documents, manuscripts, maps and photographs of Ukrainian immigrants in Canada.
Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders Of Canada Museum (W)
969 St. Matthews Avenue, Room 230
(204) 786-4330
Located at the Minto Armoury, Manitoba’s most famous Scottish Regiment first raised in 1910. The unit served with distinction in WWI, providing 5 battalions in the Canadian Expeditionary Force (the 16th, 27th, 43rd, 174th and 179th). It also participated in the 1942 Dieppe raid and throughout Northwest Europe in World War II.
Riel House National Historic Site (SE)
330 River Road, one block south of Bishop Grandin Boulevard
(204) 257-1783
Riel House is managed and operated for Parks Canada by La Société historique de Saint-Boniface. Visitors will learn about the cultural, social and economic aspects of the Metis as well as the life of the Riel and Lagimodière families in the 1880’s. While Louis Riel never lived here, his body lay in state in the home after his 1885 execution. Open daily mid-May to Labour Day weekend, 10 am to 6 pm. Admission charge.
Ross House – First Post Office on the Prairies (NW)
140 Meade Street, between Euclid and Sutherland Avenues
(204) 943-3958 (Manitoba Historical Society)
Built in 1854 of Red River frame log construction, Ross House became the first Post Office west of the Great Lakes. Located in Point Douglas/Joe Zuken Heritage Park, the museum’s interpretive displays include period furnished rooms depicting the daily life of the Red River Settlement, the pioneer Ross family, and early postal service. Open June 1 – August 31 Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free Admission.
Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regimental Museum (W)
969 St. Matthews Avenue
(204) 786-4392
Located at the Minto Armoury, the museum portrays the history of the oldest military infantry regiment in Western Canada, and displays the uniforms, weapons, pictures, and artifacts from 1870 to the present. Open Tuesday 8 – 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or by appointment. Free admission.
St. Boniface Museum (SE)
494 Tache Avenue, St. Boniface
(204) 2374500.
In the oldest building in the City of Winnipeg, erected for the Grey Nuns in 1846, also the largest oak log building in North America and also the first institutional building in Western Canada. The museum’s displays interpret Metis, French-Canadian, and Missionary life on the prairies. The museum is open year-round and has special programs during the January Festival du Voyageur
St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park (SW)
Located at 40 Turnbull Drive, off Pembina Highway, south of the La Salle River bridge
(204) 269-5377, and (204) 945-4375 off-season
Features log and frame homes characteristic of this early French-Canadian settlement, two of which have been restored to period. Offers self-guiding trail and guided tours of pre-1900 Bohemier and Turenne French-Canadian homes, with an interpretation of lifestyles and area history. Season: June to September. Park closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission free.
Seven Oaks House Museum (NW)
Rupertsland Avenue East, 1 ½ blocks from Main Street, in West Kildonan
(204) 339-7429
The oldest habitable home in Manitoba, built in 1851 by John Inkster. It was constructed of oak logs on a stone foundation, with buffalo hair to bind the plaster, and contains period furniture and household articles of the original occupants. The Seven Oaks Memorial honours Governor Robert Semple and 20 Selkirk settlers slain in the Battle of Seven Oaks in 1816. Open last weekend in May until Labour Day daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission charge.
Transcona Historical Museum (NE)
141 Regent Avenue West, in Transcona
(204) 222-0423
Housed in a 1925 bank building which became the Transcona Municipal Office, the Museum displays present community history, the railroad industry, pioneer life, native cultures, and the area’s natural history. Open Tuesday to Friday, 12 noon – 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed Sunday, Monday and Holidays). June through August open daily, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5
p.m. Admission free
Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Manitoba Branch (NW)
1175 Main Street (at Redwood)
(204) 339-0845 Groups: (204) 582-7345
Ukrainian folk arts and crafts brought from Ukraine by early pioneers, including traditional dress of various regions, Easter eggs, woodcarvings, woven articles (kylyms), etc. Open June to September, Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations accepted.
Western Canada Aviation Museum (W)
958 Ferry Road and Ellice Avenue, Hangar T2, Winnipeg International Airport
(204) 786-5503
Dedicated to Canada’s aviation heritage, with displays of vintage private, commercial and military aircraft and artifacts, personal memorabilia and photographs. See planes from both propeller and jet eras. Open year round. Mon-Fri 9:30-4:30 Sat. 10:00-5:00 Sun. and holidays 12:00-5:00 Aviation Gift Shop and book store. Admission charge.
Winnipeg Fire Service Museum (NW)
56 Maple Street
(204) 942-4817
Located in a 1904 firehouse, the museum includes a collection of photographs, artifacts and vintage apparatus depicting the colourful history of the fire service in Winnipeg since 1882. Includes fire engines from 1882, 1921 and 1930. Main floor wheelchair accessible. Admission charge.
Winnipeg Police Museum (W)
(204) 986-3976
130 Allard Avenue
Located in the Winnipeg Police Training Division (Allard School) the museum includes collections of pictures, equipment and other artifacts since the very inception of the Winnipeg Police Service since its inception 125 years ago. It also includes exhibits from Police Departments that were amalgamated with the Winnipeg Police Department in 1974. Open by appointment weekdays with free admission
Winnipeg Railway Museum (Dtn)
Via Rail Station, 123 Main Street at Broadway, Tracks 1 and 2
204-942-4632
Artifacts of Canadian prairie railroading, including the Countess of Dufferin, a steam locomotive brought to Winnipeg in 1877. Open June 21 to Labour Day, Thursday to Monday and holidays, 12 noon to 6 p.m.; Labour Day to June 21, 12 noon to 4 p.m., weekends and holidays. Admission charge.