CANADIAN HISTORY MUSEUM

This vast, ultramodern museum complex offers 25,000 m² of exhibition space on four floors, devoted to the history of Canada since the time of the First Peoples, to the history of the world and its cultures, and to the arts and traditions of Canada's aboriginal nations. With its impressive collection of artefacts and specimens (over 3 million), slide shows, high-tech projection systems and interactive exhibits, it aims to showcase Canada's cultural heritage.

We can't overlook its incredible architecture, designed by Douglas Cardinal, who is credited with creating a "style of aboriginal Canadian architecture characterized by graceful organic forms that consistently defy the most advanced engineering standards". Built between 1983 and 1989 on the site of Laurier Park in Gatineau's Hull sector, the building evokes "the evolution of the continent, its forms sculpted by wind, rivers and glaciers".

Canadian History Room. The most ambitious exhibition ever mounted at the museum, it is divided into three exhibition areas with eighteen chapters telling the story of Canada, from the time of the first human settlements to the present day.

First Peoples Hall. This exhibition room features over 2,000 artifacts, images and documents, both historical and contemporary, recounting the cultural richness, survival, regeneration and vitality of Aboriginal peoples, their contribution to Canada and their sacred bond with Mother Earth, a bond that dates back to the dawn of time.

La Grande Galerie. A must-see and much-photographed feature of the museum's architecture, the Grand Gallery pays homage to Canada's West Coast Aboriginals. Its gigantic totem poles attract crowds, as does the plaster model of the sculpture by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, and the gilded bronze sculpture by Robert Davidson, The Raven Bringing Light to the World.

The Canadian Stamp Collection. Produced in collaboration with Canada Post, this collection features over 3,000 postage stamps, from the very first issued in 1851 by the Province of Canada to the present day.

Canadian Children's Museum. A great way to introduce children to art, culture and history through a trip to the four corners of the world. They can climb aboard a colorful Pakistani bus, load packages onto a ship or visit a typical Indonesian house. In addition to the exhibits, costumes, props and artifacts are on display, as well as an exceptional collection of games and toys.

Ciné + experience. Several times a day, the museum offers the chance to discover a variety of films at the heart of Canadian history and culture. The technology is state-of-the-art: 2 giant screens, 4K projection in both 2D and 3D, a dome with a 180-degree field of vision and a powerful sound system. Films last from 20 to 45 minutes.

Online exhibitions. Want to learn more in the comfort of your own home? The Canadian Museum of History offers dozens of virtual exhibitions accessible from its website, from antique quilts in Nova Scotia to archaeological mysteries in the Ottawa region.