Sail back in time to the early days of the Canadian frontier. The Manitoba Museum offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. With its impressive exhibits showcasing the province’s natural and cultural history, guests can explore everything from the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples to modern-day Winnipeg. The museum features interactive displays and immersive galleries that transport you through time. We marveled at the remarkable artifacts and enjoyed learning about the region’s past. Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or a family looking for a fun day out, the Manitoba Museum offers plenty of value.
We want to thank Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg for hosting our visit. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.
The First People
The Manitoba Museum is located on Treaty No. 1 land, the ancestral lands of various Indigenous tribes. Inside the museum, we found exhibits showcasing the region’s Indigenous peoples and highlighting their rich cultures. The exhibits include interactive elements, allowing guests to engage with Indigenous perspectives on the land and its history. Through captivating narratives and immersive experiences, the museum fosters a deeper understanding of the diverse Indigenous communities in Manitoba. Through thoughtful presentation, the museum honors their legacy and traditions.
European Arrivals
We were a little surprised to find a full-size ship inside the museum. The Nonsuch was a merchant ship built in 1650. The arrival of the first Europeans, in the Manitoba region, marked a significant turning point in the area’s history. In the late 17th century, French explorers ventured into the region. These early visitors established trade routes and relationships with Indigenous peoples. The fur trade quickly became a central economic activity, with the Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company competing for dominance. Europeans brought new technologies, goods, and cultural exchanges, but also introduced challenges, such as disease and land disputes with the Indigenous communities.
Hudson Bay Company
The Hudson’s Bay Company exhibit, at the Manitoba Museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the fur trade’s pivotal role in shaping the region’s history. Our visit was on a weekday, so multiple school field trips were taking place. The space is large enough that we could still navigate all of the exhibits. The setting reminded us of a wharf with displays and small rooms to explore. Highlights included the company’s impact on local economies and cultures. It was interesting to learn how the relationships formed between traders and Indigenous communities. Being from America, we have seen a less hospitable approach to working with the Native Peoples.
A Walk Through Time
In the museum, we discovered a history film running on a loop. The Winnipeg Timeline Theatre offers an immersive journey through the city’s rich history. The short film highlights key events and milestones that shaped Winnipeg. We heard stories of diverse communities and cultural shifts that have shaped the region. We found the film to be not only entertaining but also educational. It helped us better understand some of the things we learned throughout our visit to Winnipeg.
Working the Land
Throughout the Manitoba Museum, we drew similarities to our home. Both are spread across the fertile prairie at the center of the continent. It was intriguing to compare how they developed and found the timelines similar. Whenever we spotted an exhibit or display about agriculture, we could relate to the tools and processes. Being from the flatlands of Kansas, this connection hit home.
Even More Exhibits
The Manitoba Museum is larger than we expected. We thought we had seen everything when we discovered more exhibits downstairs. Stepping into the Science Gallery, we could feel the excitement level rise. This oversized gallery is filled with interactive displays. A table filled with LEGO blocks beckoned budding engineers. Crystal took a spin on their pulley chairs and was surprised at how easy it was to lift herself. This space is designed to bring out the “kid” in visitors.
Visit the Manitoba Museum
The Manitoba Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to explore the rich history and culture of the province. The diverse galleries also feature Earth’s history and nature. There is a planetarium on-site that features various shows. Be sure to pop into the gift shop to remind yourself of all of the exhibits you examined. We were so happy that this provincial museum is located in Winnipeg. It was a great way for us to learn about the region we were visiting.
