Modernization
Learn more about government’s intention to modernize the museum to protect our historic holdings and provide better access to our collections.
Open House
Daily until Sept 2, 2024
12:00 - 2:00pm
Come visit historic Helmcken House, on the east side of the museum building.
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. Dr. Helmcken set up house in Victoria when he married Cecilia Douglas, the daughter of Governor James Douglas in 1852. He went on to become a statesman and helped negotiate the entry of British Columbia into Canada, as a province. The doctor’s original 19th century medical kit is among the interesting items on display.