Special Exhibits

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

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.

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.

Upcoming exhibits

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.  

For more museum exhibits and happenings, check out our online Event Calendar.