Ancient Egypt’s 18th dynasty is one of its most intriguing. Hateshepsut the female king, Tutankhamun the boy king, Akhenaten the enigmatic king; shifting political allegiances; complicated family dynamics—so many elements of this historical period seem strange, not just in contrast to the modern world but also in comparison with broader Egyptian history. But it is also a time of great conservatism and continuity.

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past.

The Royal BC Museum is honoured to host the 5th Annual Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival. Join us for three days of spectacular performances of music and dance to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. The festival is held on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt nations and each day begins with a welcome from the host nations followed by performances from Indigenous groups from across the province. 

Exploring the theme of 'Thinking like a Scientist', experienced volunteers will be on hand in the Natural History gallery with fun and engaging activities. These stations are designed for self-guided school classes, but are open to all curious visitors.

How do scientists use observation skills to better understand the world around them? How can museum specimens further our own personal awareness of species diversity? Why does it matter so much? These stations in the gallery will help address these questions through hands-on and welcoming activities.

See for yourself where we usually keep those jars, boxes and bins and experience the working environment of our talented researchers and staff. This tour will focus on our entomology collection and how these collections help us to learn about our province.Tours are limited to 10 people. Sign up begins 1 hour prior to the tour start time.

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past.

See for yourself where we usually keep those jars, boxes and bins and experience the working environment of our talented researchers and staff. This tour will focus on our vertebrate collection and how these collections help us to learn about our province.Tours are limited to 10 people. Sign up begins 1 hour prior to the tour start time.

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past.

Exploring the theme of 'Thinking like a Historian', experienced volunteers will be on hand in the Becoming BC gallery with thought-provoking activities. These stations are designed for self-guided school classes, but are open to all curious visitors.

How do we shape our understanding of history? How can we think critically in order to responsibly engage with the past? These stations in the gallery will help address these questions through hands-on and welcoming activities.

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past.

Join our friendly and informative guides and embark on a special sixty-minute tour in the museum’s modern history galleries. Tours are free with same-day admission or membership. Meet near the escalator, to the right (west side) of the Box Office in the main floor lobby.

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past.

Join Curator of Vertebrate Zoology Dr. Gavin Hanke and Invertebrates Collections Manager Heidi Gartner, as they conduct a beach seine at Willows Beach. In the past we've caught more than 20 species of fishes, along with crabs, shrimp and other invertebrates (animals without backbones). What will we discover this year? Everyone will get an up-close look at what lives beneath the waves. 

Meet at Willows Beach in Oak Bay. From Estevan, turn left onto Esplanade and drive towards the north end of the beach. Park on the right near the large white Royal BC Museum van. 

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past.

Feature Length Tour: Join our friendly and informative guides in the lobby and embark on a special one-hour tour in the museum’s natural history galleries. Tours are included with same-day admission or membership.

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past.

Join our friendly and informative guides and embark on a special sixty-minute tour in the museum’s modern history galleries. Tours are free with same-day admission or membership.

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past.

Exploring the theme of 'Thinking like a Scientist', experienced volunteers will be on hand in the Natural History gallery with fun and engaging activities. These stations are designed for self-guided school classes, but are open to all curious visitors.

How do scientists use observation skills to better understand the world around them? How can museum specimens further our own personal awareness of species diversity? Why does it matter so much? These stations in the gallery will help address these questions through hands-on and welcoming activities.

Helmcken House was built by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company. It is one of the oldest houses in British Columbia still on its original site. St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, built in 1844 in the HBC’s Red River style, may be the oldest building still standing in Victoria. Visit these two exceptional heritage buildings for a peek into Victoria’s past.