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
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!
The Gallant Thousand: Ottawa and the South African War
May 17, 2019 to February 17, 2020
Bytown Museum
In honour of the 120th anniversary of the beginning of the South African (Boer) War in 1899, this exhibit explores the experiences of Canadian and Ottawa residents who participated in the conflict.
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).
Me and My Microbes: The Zoo Inside You
December 20, 2019 to March 29, 2020
Canadian Museum of Nature
Journey through the human body and get an in-depth look at how microbes affect our health. See how these tiny organisms impact our digestion, fight off disease and even influence our moods.
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.
Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit
January 25 – May 18, 2020
Canadian Children’s Museum at the Canadian Museum of History
This exhibit is based on Disney Junior’s award-winning series about a young girl who aspires to be a doctor like her mom, and magically communicates with toys. Kids can enjoy imaginative play and hands-on activities while learning important life lessons about health and wellness.
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.
Upcoming exhibits
Queens of Egypt
May 8 to October 12, 2020
Canadian Museum of Nature
This immersive multisensory experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into the ancient Egypt of 3,500 years ago. See more than 300 iconic objects, including monumental statues, frescoes, sarcophagi, funerary objects and jewellery associated with legendary queens such as Nefertari, Nefertiti and Hatshepsut.
Planet Ice: Mysteries of the Ice Ages
June 3, 2020 to January 3, 2021
Canadian Museum of Nature
Discover how cold and ice have created the waterways and landscapes we know today and explore how a range of species, including humankind, have adapted to their cold environments.
For more museum exhibits and happenings, check out our online Event Calendar.
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