Storytelling event

Join us for an evening of storytelling in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, in collaboration with Trenton Schulz-Franco and the Special Bird Service Society. Enjoy dynamic storytellers sharing their personal experiences in the natural world.

Don’t be fooled! Our staff will place unusual objects into displays throughout the core galleries. Some of these items don’t belong—and it’s up to you to spot the imposter.

Pick up your Scavenger Hunt at the Box Office an put your detective Skills to the test!

Can’t make it to the museum in person? Check out these images from past April Fools’ events and see if you can spot the imposters!

Not all wildlife stars are lions, bears, or whales! Join a museum educator for a closer look at three stunning yet often overlooked subjects in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. This guided tour will highlight remarkable images of animals that may be smaller, less famous, or simply overshadowed by their flashier counterparts. Discover how these creatures play essential roles in their ecosystems, the challenges they face, and the fascinating stories behind the photographers' choices to capture them.

By Design: A Journey Through Arts and Culture Talk Series

Step into the strange and surprising world of nature! Explore the quirky, hilarious and downright bizarre side of the natural world through interactive stations in the Natural History gallery. From animals with unusual shapes and behaviours to laugh-out-loud improv comedy, get ready to be amazed and amused by some of nature's strangest and silliest creatures.

The event features both Funny Ha Ha and Funny Peculiar stations:

Wanna reconnect? Tired of online dating? Nervous to put yourself out there? Join us for this exciting new series! With dating apps losing their spark, we're offering a refreshing alternative—an evening of low-pressure connections and inspiring conversations.

March 8th is International Women's Day. To celebrate, Live at Lunch in March will examine how heritage sites and belongings tell the stories of women that traditional historic narratives miss. 

About the Speaker: 

Genevieve Weber, Manager of Heritage Programs and Services. The BC Heritage Branch is the Province's primary body responsible for the conservation of historic places, fossil management and geographical naming in British Columbia. 

Image: Kilby Store, BC Heritage, Archival Print KGSM1976.008.040

Explore the Natural History gallery and find inspiration to sketch something from nature. With supplies provided and inspiration from the exhibits and specimens from our handling collection, take a moment to create your own artwork. Display it on our gallery wall, gift it to someone special, or take it home to enjoy.

Friends of the BC Archives Speaker Series 

Award-winning comedian Shawn O’Hara presents the uproarious Field Zoology 101. Join the infamous Dr. Bradley Q. Gooseberry as he tours you around the Natural History gallery armed with a collection of stories and lessons almost as unbelievable as his credentials. Along the way, he shares a lifetime of his ‘knowledge’ and ‘experience’, teaching you how to thrive and survive in the harrowing and hilarious world of field zoology.

Designed for ages 8 to12

Join us Live Online with our friends at Streamable Learning!

Get up-close and personal insects in this engaging livestream. Discover the fascinating bodies and behaviors of these remarkable creatures as we delve into insect specimens from the Royal BC Museum collections. Bring your curiosity for an interactive journey into the world of insects!

Find pre and post visit resources on our Learning Portal:

What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano?

In 2023, Ben Miller was the artist in residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the first stand-up comedian ever selected. This was probably a terrible idea on their part.

Come watch this show where scientist turned stand-up comedian Ben Miller explores volcanology, entomology, Hawaiian history, cats, cookies, and more. And yes, that photo is real. Ben has made people laugh in front of a burning lava lake and he is not afraid of you.

What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano?

In 2023, Ben Miller was the artist in residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the first stand-up comedian ever selected. This was probably a terrible idea on their part.

Come watch this show where scientist turned stand-up comedian Ben Miller explores volcanology, entomology, Hawaiian history, cats, cookies, and more. And yes, that photo is real. Ben has made people laugh in front of a burning lava lake and he is not afraid of you.

Come help shape the sound of our upcoming exhibition!

We invite musicians, music lovers, and culture enthusiasts to join us for a special community gathering in anticipation of our upcoming exhibition, Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change  (opening May 2025). This exhibition explores ground-breaking and history-making moments where music played a pivotal role in social and political transformation. It will feature legendary instruments and remarkable stage outfits. 

Join the Royal BC Museum and the entire Ocean Week Victoria team for a collaborative and inspiring gathering as we prepare for World Ocean Day/ Ocean Week (June 1-8, 2025) in the Greater Victoria area!

An illustrated presentation about the flora (and a little about fauna and mushrooms) of northern BC including images of the landscapes, rare plants, common plants, a pseudoflower, a puzzling gap in the distribution of several species and what we are learning about the last ice age from plant DNA markers.

Speaker: Ken Marr, Curator of Botany

Live at Lunch is a monthly series where you can hear directly from curators, archivists, staff and researchers at the Royal BC Museum as well as fascinating community members and guests. No tickets are required.

Designed for ages 6 to 10

Join us Live Online with our friends at Streamable Learning!

Learn about the Ice Age and the Woolly Mammoths who lived there. Through images, videos, and objects, we'll explore how these incredible creatures adapted to survive in such a harsh environment. This interactive session offers plenty of opportunities for questions and engagement. Find pre and post visit resources on our Learning Portal.

There’s lots of fun to be had this Family Day at the Royal BC Museum and IMAX® Victoria.

On Monday, February 17, the Royal BC Museum will be open to the public for ADMISSION BY DONATION. 
IMAX® Victoria will also offer $2 entry to all documentary films all day. Dive in to discover together! 

Chat with Adult Grand Title Winner of the 60th Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Explore the stunning 60th Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition and meet the Adult Grand Title Winner, Shane Gross. His winning photograph, “The Swarm of Life”, captures a mesmerizing scene of western toad tadpoles swimming beneath the lily pads of a lake on Vancouver Island.

By Design: A Journey Through Arts and Culture Talk Series

Join us for an evening of storytelling with documentary filmmaker Sam Rose Phillips. Based in Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ territory, Sam's films and photography focus on human-wildlife stories and their significance to coastal communities. Ethics are at the core of Sam’s approach, guiding the stories she tells with a deep conviction that nothing is worth causing harm to another being.