Open House

Daily until Sept 2, 2024

12:00 - 2:00pm

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Come visit historic Helmcken House, on the east side of the museum building.

Join one of our educators for a guided walking tour of our Native Plant Garden! Learn about the plant neighbours we share here on the BC coast, including some of their Indigenous uses. Approximately eight different plants will be highlighted.

From gold rushes to temperate rainforests, British Columbia’s past and present is vast and diverse. Join one of our knowledgeable educators for a highlights-only tour through the museum’s immersive Human and Natural History galleries.

Join us for a tour of protest through music.

From advocating for 2SLGBTQI+ rights and environmental justice to challenging racism and sexism in the music industry, music has long been a powerful tool for resistance and change. This 30-minute guided tour of Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change takes you on a journey across genres and movements, exploring how music amplifies voices and inspires action. There's something for everyone on this tour through sound and solidarity.

Join us on a journey celebrating the women who have raised their voices in the social and political movements that shape our world.

Music is a powerful force - bringing people together, inspiring action and transforming communities. This 30-minute guided tour of our feature exhibition Beyond the Beat: The Music of Resistance and Change highlights the impact of women in music across genres and causes. Learn how  women have used music to challenge injustice, express identity and lead change.

The Royal BC Museum Indigenous Market returns and we invite you to come and celebrate and support the work of talented Indigenous artists and makers.

Chinese peoples have migrated to what is now known as Canada since first stepping foot in Mawaachat/Muchalaht First Nations territories in 1788. 

In this 30-minute tour of the Chinese Canadian Museum's Odysseys and Migration exhibition, journey through key points in Chinese Canadian history, interwoven with the true story of Wong Guey Dang, a Chinese Canadian labourer, restauranteur and great grandfather of the tour guide, Mina Guan.

Join us on a journey into the rich and complex story of Indian Chintz.

On this 30-minute guided experience, you'll uncover the true story of Indian Chintz - a centuries-old textile tradition born in the Indian subcontinent, and shaped by global trade, colonialism and cultural exchange.

Discover how Indian artisans created dazzling multicoloured cottons using intricate hand painted  and block-printed techniques. You'll also learn how these fabrics became luxury items in royal courts and unpack the role of chintz in the rise of fast fashion.

Join the Ocean Wise Education team at the Royal BC Museum for an immersive ocean experience like no other!

Join Ocean Wise for an evening of learning, inspiration and networking with conservationists, researchers and community members passionate about the environment.

Hear from local experts in the field of whale conservation as they share exciting updates on current research, local initiatives and innovative projects.

After the presentations, stay for an informal social where you can connect with others, exchange ideas and build relationships that support collective action for a healthier planet. 

Eat. Drink. Explore.

Turn up the volume and step into the electrifying world of rock ‘n’ roll! After Hours: Rock On is a night dedicated to music lovers, featuring interactive activities, legendary sounds, and exclusive after-hours access to Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change. Explore how music has shaped culture, connect with fellow fans, and unleash your inner rock star.

Join Provincial Carillonneur, Rosemary Laing, for a live recital. Music will feature songs written for the carillon, Canadian folk tunes and popular songs.

The Netherlands Centennial Carillon can be heard throughout the inner harbour, but the best place to enjoy the recital is from a bench in the Native Plant Garden or another area of the precinct around the Royal BC Museum.

Snakes, reptiles, amphibians, oh my!  Visit the Royal BC Museum tent at this special CRD Parks event.  There will be exhibits, displays, and activities all about some of our sssslithery, sssslimy, and sssscaly friends. 

Meeting Location: Filter Beds picnic area at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park

Join us for Maker Saturday and help shape the future of the museum!

We're dreaming up a new space just for kids and families - and we want to hear from you. Try out fun,  hands-on activities and let us know what you'd love to see in a space made for you.

Your voice can help make the museum even more welcoming, creative and fun!

Insect bodies and behaviours have a lot to teach us. Join us as we look closely at some insect specimens from the Royal BC Museum collections. Bring your curiosity for this interactive investigation into the world of Insects!

Grades 3 to 5

Pre and post visit resources: https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/playlist/investigating-insects/

Registration information coming soon!

Eat. Drink. Explore.

Bust out your scrunchies, flannel, and baggy jeans—it’s time to party like it’s 1999! Step back into the ultimate era of neon, mixtapes, and iconic pop culture at this totally rad 90s-themed After Hours event. From throwback tunes to nostalgic games, this night is all about celebrating the decade that gave us Tamagotchis, dial-up internet, and the Macarena.

October is the time to celebrate bats! Learn how we depend on bats and how you can help these amazing flying mammals.

Join museum educators as they lead us through a Halloween tour of our handling collection and bust some myths about animals we connect with Halloween. Are bats really spooky? Do spiders creep you out? We all have different feelings about the animals we share our world with find out why we should have respect and appreciation for the fascinating animals of Halloween! Time for Q&A in this interactive live session.

Grades K-2

Join Royal BC Museum human history collections manager Paul Ferguson for an exploration of photographs related to British Columbia. We’ll look at these photographs from BC Archives as primary sources, as evidence from the past, and learn how to examine and infer information from them. Bring your curiosity and your observational skills. 

Grades 4-7

Pre and post visit resources: https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/pathways/reading-photographs/?view=teach

Join Royal BC Museum human history collections manager Paul Ferguson for an exploration of photographs related to British Columbia. We’ll look at these photographs from BC Archives as primary sources, as evidence from the past, and learn how to examine and infer information from them. Bring your curiosity and your observational skills.