Open House

July 3 - July 28, daily except July 20
12:00 - 2:00pm

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

Uncover some of the highlights and hidden gems of the Natural History Gallery.

The tour will meet at the top of the escalator on the second floor.

Join us for a 45-minute guided tour and discover the behind-the-scenes mystery of the Entomology collection.

Sign up at the information desk in the lobby.

This tour will look at what archaeologists have learned about who built Stonehenge and why.

The tour will meet at the top of the escalator on the second floor.

Join us for a 30-minute guided tour and discover the behind-the-scenes mystery of the  Botany collection.

Space is limited. Sign up at the information desk in the lobby on the day off.

Join one of our educators on a guided walking tour of our Native Plant Garden! Learn about our plant neighbors here on the BC coast and Indigenous uses. About 8 different plants will be highlighted.

Meet at the bottom of the escalator in the main lobby. Note that this tour takes place outside rain or shine, please prepare for the weather accordingly.

Join us for a 30-minute guided tour and uncover some of the highlights and hidden gems of the Natural History Gallery.

Natural History tours meet at the top of the escalator on the second floor.

Join provincial carillonneur Rosemary Laing for a live recital of carillon music. 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.

About the Netherlands Centennial Carillon

The Netherlands Centennial Carillon was a gift from British Columbia’s Dutch community to honour Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967. It is housed at the top of the tower, which stands 27 metres (90 feet) tall.

Join us for a 30 minute walking tour to learn more about the buildings of the Royal BC Museum  and explore the various options for a reimagined downtown museum site. 

Sensory-sensitive screening of Wingsuit Flyers intended for guests who find the immersive IMAX® experience prohibitive. In addition to low lighting and low volume throughout, doors will be left open and movement and discussion during the film will not be restricted. This film is in 2D, no special glasses required. Theatre capacity will be reduced to 80 seats. 

About the film: 

The BC Provincial Heritage Fair brings together elementary and high school students from across BC to present their projects on topics in Canadian history. Come and learn more about Canadian people, events, milestones and achievements through these young historians’ dynamic projects.

Planning your Pride kick-off weekend? Swing by the museum and make some personalized button pins to show and celebrate your Pride! There will be cut outs available, or you can show your art skills and create your own designs.

Join one of our educators on a guided walking tour of our Native Plant Garden! Learn about our plant neighbors here on the BC coast and Indigenous uses. About 8 different plants will be highlighted.

Meet at the bottom of the escalator in the main lobby. Note that this tour takes place outside rain or shine, please prepare for the weather accordingly.

Join us for a 30-minute guided tour and uncover some of the highlights and hidden gems of the Natural History Gallery. 

The Royal BC Museum Indigenous Artist Market invites you to come celebrate and support the work of talented Indigenous artists and makers. Come join us during National Indigenous History Month on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen Peoples (also known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations today) and learn about the beauty and depth of Indigenous cultures.

Celebrate Solstice with a guided tour of the Stonehenge exhibition. This tour will look at what archaeologists have learned about who built Stonehenge and why.  The tour will meet at the top of the escalator on the second floor.

Celebrate Solstice with a guided tour of the Stonehenge exhibition. This tour will look at what archaeologists have learned about who built Stonehenge and why.  The tour will meet at the top of the escalator on the second floor.

Museums around the world and across the country are re-considering their old displays and exhibitions. Join the Royal BC Museum’s curator of Indigenous Collections, Kevin Brownlee who will share the work he did as Curatorial Lead on a Human History and Natural Science Gallery renewal project at the Manitoba Museum and what lessons it might have for future work at our museum.

Make a playdate and come to the Royal BC Museum. Maker Saturday is a family friendly interactive, learning-based special event that happens on the third Saturday of the month until the end of August. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math themes will play out in our core or feature exhibitions. You are welcome to drop in and participate in one or all of the activities being offered.

Stonehenge

Did you ever wonder how the big rocks were moved and put in place? Explore this and other mysteries of Stonehenge.

Eat. Drink. Explore.

Experience an unforgettable evening delving into the fascinating world of animal sexuality at our adult-only event. Explore the Natural History gallery in a new way and join us for engaging Sex Talks with Scientists as we uncover the diversity of sex in nature.