Special exhibits are always plentiful at Ottawa-area museums. Here are just a few of the current and upcoming temporary exhibits, in order of end date:
Current exhibits
Above and Beyond
September 28, 2019 – January 5, 2020
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
This exhibit honours historic world-changing innovations in flight as well as the future impact of aerospace breakthroughs in our everyday lives. Kids and adults can enjoy fun interactive and immersive experiences, such as designing and test-flying a supersonic jet; piloting a drone into the eye of a hurricane, experiencing flight as a bird; or take an elevator ride to the edge of space. Join the epic journey into the sky and beyond!
Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood – A Grr-ific Exhibit
September 28, 2019 – January 5, 2020
Canadian Children’s Museum at the Canadian Museum of History
Meet your new neighbors in the imaginative world of Daniel Tiger and his friends. Based on the award-winning PBS KIDS television series, this exhibit follows the adventures of 4-year-old Daniel Tiger and his friends. Children can participate in hands-on activities as they learn life’s little lessons. The neighborhood is bursting with life … and there is so much to discover!
Highland Warriors
June 7, 2019 – January 12, 2020
Canadian War Museum
Discover the origins and culture of one of the most iconic and enduring military figures: the Highland soldier. Over a hundred artifacts — from fearsome broadswords to resplendent tartans — connect the fierce and respected clan warriors to the proud military traditions of Highland regiments in Canada today.
Neanderthal
May 17, 2019 – January 26, 2020
Canadian Museum of History
This major exhibition from the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle (France) provides new insight into Neanderthals based on the most recent scientific discoveries. See exceptional fossils rarely shown to the public from Europe’s most prominent research institutions. Discover how Neanderthals lived throughout Eurasia for 300,000 years before mysteriously disappearing 30,000 years ago. And learn how this species of the genus Homo is much more like us than we previously thought!
UNCEDED – Voices of the Land
May 3, 2019 – March 22, 2020
Canadian Museum of History
This breathtaking multimedia installation brings together the past, present and future of the Indigenous experience, as seen through the eyes and minds of 18 distinguished Indigenous architects and designers from across Turtle Island (North America).
Butterflies in Flight
October 6, 2018 – March 31, 2020
Canadian Museum of Nature
Enter a world of brilliant live butterflies! Experience a warm and relaxing tropical environment with flowering plants and hundreds of live butterflies.
Àbadakone / Continuous Fire / Feu continuel
November 8, 2019 – April 5, 2020
National Gallery of Canada
This exhibit presents the works of 70 artists identifying with approximately 40 Indigenous Nations, ethnicities, and tribal affiliations from 16 countries, including Canada. Various mediums will be used, including live performances and commissioned installations, complemented by a robust program of film screenings and public talks.
Luck and Lore
October 25, 2019 – November 1, 2020
Bank of Canada Museum
Discover the spiritual, ceremonial and seemingly impractical uses we have for money. More than 80 artifacts show how money has been used for superstitious or ceremonial purposes, such as throwing coins in fountains and the “Lucky Loonie” tradition at Olympic games.
Special exhibits at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG)
Various start and end dates
Ottawa Art Gallery
The always-free OAG presents four new special exhibits this fall that reflect on subjects ranging from genderqueer identity to contemporary Indigenous world views. Local, national and international artists explore these themes through large-scale photography, video, sculpture, textile collage, installation and painting. Don’t miss Facing Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore, Inaabiwin, Molly Lamb Bobak: A Woman of the Crowd and Adrian Baker: Watershed.
For more museum exhibits and happenings, check out our online Event Calendar.
Enquiries 1-833-864-7839
Request a Visitor Guide 
