Manitoba Museum and Science Gallery

Manitoba Museum

Winnipeg's premier cultural institution showcasing Manitoba's natural history, Indigenous heritage, and the famous Nonsuch ship replica. An essential destination for understanding the province's rich human and natural history across interactive exhibits and galleries.

Things to do

• Explore the Nonsuch Ship — Tour a full-scale replica of the 17th-century trading vessel that established the Hudson's Bay Company, featuring period-accurate furnishings and interactive displays about fur trade history.
• Indigenous Peoples Gallery — Discover exhibits on Manitoba's First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities with artifacts, oral histories, and contemporary Indigenous art installations.
• Planetarium Shows — Experience immersive astronomy presentations and laser light shows in the museum's digital planetarium dome.
• Natural History Exhibits — Walk through dioramas showcasing Manitoba's geology, wildlife, and ecosystems from the Arctic to the prairies.
• Alloway Hall Historic Home — Tour a restored Victorian-era mansion on the museum grounds offering insight into early 20th-century Winnipeg life.
• Science Gallery Interactive Exhibits — Engage with hands-on STEM activities and demonstrations designed for all ages exploring physics, biology, and technology.

Food to try

• Bison Burger — A Manitoba staple made from local bison meat, leaner and richer than beef, often served at museum cafés and local restaurants.
• Pickerel — Fresh-caught freshwater fish from Manitoba lakes, typically pan-fried or baked and considered a regional delicacy.
• Bannock Bread — Traditional Indigenous fried bread served plain or with toppings, reflecting the culinary heritage celebrated in the museum's Indigenous galleries.
• Prairie Calf Liver — A historic Manitoba dish of liver and onions, representing traditional prairie cuisine and settler-era cooking.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Gallery Conduct — When visiting Indigenous Peoples galleries, approach exhibits with quiet reverence as many contain sacred objects and represent ongoing community stories.
• Winter Visit Timing — Plan indoor museum visits during harsh Winnipeg winters (November–March) when outdoor exploration becomes challenging, and bundle up for the walk between the museum building and Nonsuch Ship.
• Hudson's Bay Company Legacy — Understand that the HBC's historical dominance over Manitoba is presented with both achievement and critical Indigenous perspectives, reflecting contemporary historical scholarship.