Explore Ottawa’s Museums: A Guide to Visiting in 2020

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and home to some of the country’s most impressive museums. From the National Gallery of Canada to the Canadian Museum of History, Ottawa’s museums offer visitors an array of fascinating exhibitions, interactive displays, and educational programs. Whether you’re looking for a family outing or a solo exploration, Ottawa’s museums are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best Ottawa museums to visit in 2020.

National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is one of the top Ottawa museums to visit in 2020. Located in the heart of the city, the gallery is home to an expansive collection of artwork from Canadian and international artists. Whether you’re interested in modern art, photography, or traditional paintings, the National Gallery has something to offer everyone. The gallery also hosts a variety of events, such as lectures, workshops, and film screenings, throughout the year.

A visit to the National Gallery of Canada is not complete without a visit to the nearby Sculpture Garden. This outdoor oasis features works by renowned Canadian and international sculptors, including Michael Snow, Henry Moore, and Jean-Paul Riopelle. The Sculpture Garden is open to the public and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and marvel at the unique works of art.

For those looking to explore the National Gallery of Canada in greater depth, the museum offers a variety of guided tours. These tours provide an in-depth look at the gallery’s collections, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the artwork on display. The museum also offers audio guides for those who prefer to explore the galleries on their own.

Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is the largest museum in Ottawa and one of the most popular destinations for visitors. The museum features an array of interactive exhibits and displays that explore the country’s rich history and culture. From the First Nations of Canada to the rise of modern technology, the museum offers something for everyone.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Canadian History Hall. This permanent exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the nation’s past, from the early 1800s to the present day. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can explore the country’s diverse history and gain a deeper understanding of its people and culture. The Hall also features a spectacular collection of artifacts from Canada’s past, including rare documents, artwork, and photographs.

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for children and adults. These interactive programs provide an engaging way to learn about Canada’s history and culture. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as movie screenings and performances, making it a great place to explore even if you don’t have time for a full visit.

Canada Science and Technology Museum

The Canada Science and Technology Museum is one of Ottawa’s most beloved museums. Located just outside the downtown core, the museum is home to a wide range of interactive exhibits and displays that explore the history and science of technology. From early inventions to modern-day gadgets, the museum offers something for everyone.

The museum’s exhibits focus on topics such as transportation, communication, and energy, and explore the history and science behind them. Visitors can explore the museum’s interactive displays and hands-on activities to gain a better understanding of the technological advances that have shaped our world. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults, making it an ideal destination for families.

The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as movie screenings and performances. The museum also offers a variety of guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the museum’s collections and exhibits. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or simply curious about technology, the Canada Science and Technology Museum is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum is one of Ottawa’s most intriguing and emotional museums. Located on the banks of the Ottawa River, the museum is home to an expansive collection of military artifacts and memorabilia from Canada’s conflicts, both past and present. From World War I to the present day, the museum offers visitors a unique insight into Canada’s military history.

The museum’s permanent exhibits explore the history of Canada’s armed forces, from the First World War to the contemporary era. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can gain a better understanding of the conflicts that shaped the nation and the role of the Canadian Armed Forces in them. The museum also features a variety of artifacts, such as uniforms, weapons, and equipment, as well as audio-visual presentations that bring the past to life.

The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as educational programs, lectures, and film screenings. These events provide an engaging way to learn about Canada’s military history and explore the museum’s collections. The museum also offers a variety of guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the museum’s exhibits and artifacts.

Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada

The Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada is a unique Ottawa museum that explores the history and science of money. From ancient coins to modern-day currency, the museum offers visitors a fascinating look at the evolution of money. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can learn about the history and technology of money and its role in the economy.

The museum’s permanent exhibitions explore the history and science of money, from the earliest coins to the latest banknotes. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can gain a better understanding of the development of currency and its role in the economy. The museum also features a variety of artifacts, such as coins, banknotes, and stock certificates, as well as audio-visual presentations that bring the past to life.

The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as educational programs and lectures. These events provide an engaging way to explore the museum’s collections and learn about the history and science of money. The museum also offers a variety of guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the museum’s exhibits and artifacts.

Bytown Museum

The Bytown Museum is a unique Ottawa museum that explores the city’s history and culture. Located inside the old Rideau Canal locks, the museum is home to an array of artifacts, photos, and documents that tell the story of Ottawa’s past. From its early days as a logging and trading post to its present-day status as the nation’s capital, the museum offers visitors a unique insight into the city’s past.

The museum’s permanent exhibitions explore the city’s history, from the early 1800s to the present day. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can gain a better understanding of the people and events that shaped the city. The museum also features a variety of artifacts, such as tools, clothing, and documents, as well as audio-visual presentations that bring the past to life.

The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as educational programs and lectures. These events provide an engaging way to explore the museum’s collections and learn about the city’s past. The museum also offers a variety of guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the museum’s exhibits and artifacts.

Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is one of Ottawa’s most popular museums. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is home to an impressive collection of natural science artifacts, including fossils, minerals, and plants. The museum also features interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that explore the natural world and its inhabitants.

The museum’s permanent exhibitions explore the science of nature, from astronomy to zoology. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can gain a better understanding of the natural world and its inhabitants. The museum also features a variety of artifacts, such as fossils, minerals, and plants, as well as audio-visual presentations that bring the past to life.

The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as educational programs and lectures. These events provide an engaging way to explore the museum’s collections and learn about the natural world. The museum also offers a variety of guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the museum’s exhibits and artifacts.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is one of Ottawa’s most beloved museums. Located just outside the downtown core, the museum is home to an impressive collection of airplanes, helicopters, and spacecraft. The museum also features interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that explore the history and science of aviation and space exploration.

The museum’s permanent exhibitions explore the history of aviation, from the first powered aircraft to modern-day spacecraft. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can gain a better understanding of the technology and science behind these machines. The museum also features a variety of artifacts, such as aircraft, engines, and instruments, as well as audio-visual presentations that bring the past to life.

The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as educational programs and lectures. These events provide an engaging way to explore the museum’s collections and learn about the history and science of aviation and space exploration. The museum also offers a variety of guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the museum’s exhibits and artifacts.

Ottawa Art Gallery

The Ottawa Art Gallery is one of the city’s premier art institutions. Located in the heart of the city, the gallery is home to an impressive collection of artwork from Canadian and international artists. The gallery also features interactive exhibitions and multimedia presentations that explore the history and evolution of art.

The gallery’s permanent exhibitions explore the history of art, from the Renaissance to the present day. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can gain a better understanding of the art world and its various movements. The gallery also features a variety of artifacts, such as paintings, sculptures, and photographs, as well as audio-visual presentations that bring the past to life.

The gallery also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as educational programs and lectures. These events provide an engaging way to explore the gallery’s collections and learn about the history and evolution of art. The gallery also offers a variety of guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the gallery’s exhibits and artifacts.

Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is one of Ottawa’s most unique museums. Located in the heart of the city, the Mint is home to an impressive collection of coins, medals, and currency. The Mint also features interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that explore the history and science of money.

The Mint’s permanent exhibitions explore the history and science of money, from ancient coins to modern-day currency. Through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, visitors can gain a better understanding of the development of currency and its role in the economy. The Mint also features a variety of artifacts, such as coins, banknotes, and stock certificates, as well as audio-visual presentations that bring the past to life.

The Mint also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as educational programs and lectures. These events provide an engaging way to explore the Mint’s collections and learn about the history and science of money. The Mint also offers a variety of guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the Mint’s exhibits and artifacts.

Summary

Ottawa is home to some of Canada’s most impressive museums, from the National Gallery of Canada to the Canadian Museum of History. Whether you’re looking for a family outing or a solo exploration, Ottawa’s museums are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best Ottawa museums to visit in 2020, from the National Gallery of Canada to the Royal Canadian Mint. With its expansive collections, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, Ottawa’s museums are sure to delight visitors of all ages.