Overview:
Discover the wealth of Canada’s culture as you travel across 1,000 years of history through life-size reconstructions. Get acquainted with some of the remarkable individuals who have shaped our nation, and explore the traditions and achievements of its First Peoples. The history of this land and other lands is vividly brought to life in our many exhibitions.  

Never has culture been so fascinating! 

With more than one million visitors each year, the Canadian Museum of Civilization is a destination of choice in the National Capital Region. An architectural jewel designed by Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal, the Museum is less than five minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill. 

When you visit, be sure to include the Canadian Children's Museum, our international exhibitions, the Canadian Postal Museum and the IMAX^® Theatre as part of your tour.  

Hours
October 11, 2011 to April 30, 2012
Monday-Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Remembrance Day – Free admission: November 11, 2011, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve: December 24, 2011, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Christmas Day: December 25, 2011, Closed
Boxing Day: December 26, 2011, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: December 31, 2011, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
New Year’s Day: January 1, 2012, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Annual closure: January 9 to 13, 2012, Closed
Heritage Day and Family Day (Ontario): February 20, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cost
Free times:

• Every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Canada Day (July 1, open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Remembrance Day (November 11)
• At all times for Members and volunteers!
• The Canadian Museum of Civilization grants free admission to all Aboriginal peoples including Inuit, Métis and First Nations, upon presentation of a native status card. Complimentaryadmission is limited to the individual.

• Combos cannot be separated or used with any other promotion.
• If you choose activities at both museums, tickets are valid two extra days after day of purchase.
• Audio guides are available for certain exhibitions presented at the Museum of Civilization ($3/audioguide).
• Surcharge may apply on selected IMAX films.
• Admission fees are subject to change without notice.
• * IMAX feature length films are special presentations. Combo rates do not apply.
• Student pricing is available to full-time students upon the presentation of valid student ID.
• Senior pricing is available to people aged 65 and up (with Proof of Age).
• Disabled persons must purchase their admission ticket for the Museum according to their price category. However, their accompanier will be admitted to the Museum free of charge.

Audio Tours
The Canada Hall audio tour offers a fast-paced visit through the Museum’s most popular permanent exhibition, depicting 1,000 years of the country’s history. Adventure stories, engaging monologues, anecdotes and music brings the past to life. 
English, French, German and Mandarin | $3 at the Box office | Duration: 40 minutes 

The First Peoples audio tour presents the history and continuing contribution of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Through authentic narration, quotes, songs and legends, the audio tour adds meaning and rhythm to your journey. 
English, French, German and Mandarin | $3 at the Box Office | Duration: 40 minutes 

Groups 
Special discounts and combination rates are available for groups of 20 or more.
Call 819-776-7014 or 1-800-555-5621.
Email: call_centre@civilization.ca

Services 
Courtesy wheelchairs, a motorized wheelchair and strollers are available at the cloakroom. Subject to availability. Diaper changing facilities and quiet locations suitable for nursing babies are available.

Restaurant Café du Musée
Café du Musée, located at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, boasts a breathtaking view of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill. In addition, it features a tantalizing menu created by Executive Chef Georges Laurier.
For reservations, call 819-770-7009.

Cafeteria
The Voyageurs cafeteria offers a wide range of breakfast, lunch and snack options for those visiting the Canadian Museum of Civilization. 

Parking
Rate: $2.00 per half hour
Daily maximum rate: $12.00
Flat rate from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.: $6.00
There is additional parking on streets around the Museum. Check for posted hours and rates.

Did You Know?

• The Museum of Civilization is Canada’s largest and most popular museum!
• The Canadian Museum of Civilization has the world's largest collection of totem poles.
• The architectural design of the Museum represents the Canadian Shield, glaciers and their streams, and the Great Plains.
• The Tyndall limestone covering the Museum is embedded with fossils predating the first dinosaurs by some 250 million years.

Canada's History Comes to Life
The Museum has four major galleries presenting permanent exhibitions where sound, images, and treasures from the collections create memorable impressions of our nation's colourful past. 

1. The Grand Hall : This majestic gallery is devoted to the rich cultural heritage and monumental art of the First Peoples of Canada’s West Coast. Among other features, it houses the largest indoor collection of totem poles in the world.
2. The First People's Hall : Explore the history, culture, beliefs, customs, struggles and achievements of First Peoples from coast to coast in this compelling exhibition.
3. The Canada Hall: Under a soaring 17-metre-high vaulted ceiling, this extensive exhibition offers visitors a journey through 1,000 years of history across Canada with reconstructed buildings and life-size environments, an evocative soundscape and visual effect.
4. The Canadian Personality Hall: The Museum’s newest gallery brings visitors face to face with 27 fascinating people whose decisions, actions and accomplishments shaped Canada... See who is behind Canadian history.

Featured exhibitions
Amazing range of constantly changing exhibitions from all over the world.
Visit www.civilization.ca/cmc/exhibitions for a list of current featured exhibitions. 

The Canadian Children's Museum
Visitors encounter endless ways to learn about the world, themselves and each other. Designed to stimulate and inspire younger visitors, the Canadian Children’s Museum offers you a world of hands-on discovery!

The Canadian Postal Museum
Discover the evolution of postal communications across Canada and around the world, through interactive displays and hands-on activities.

IMAX Theatre
Live the ultimate IMAX Experience at the only 3D Screen and Dome Theatre in North America! Several captivating films are featured each week.

Public Programs and Theatre
There is an extensive, ongoing program of music, dance and lectures, often with an international flavour. 

Facility Rentals
The Museum offers a wide choice of multi-purpose spaces for small groups or large gatherings of up to 1,200 people.
For more information: 819-776-7018 or banquets@civilization.ca 

Contact 
General Information: 
819-776-7000 or 1-800-555-5621 

www.civilization.ca
 
IMAX information: 819-776-7010 
www.civilization.ca/imax

See our virtual tour