Ottawa Museums and Galleries, Update on Openings

Diefenbunker Cold War Museum:

The Diefenbunker reopened on July 8, 2020, in accordance with phase 2. You can buy your tickets in advance, online. The number of visitors is now limited for distancing, masks are mandatory, and payment is only via card or online. You can download the new audio guide prior to your visit, on your own device (don’t forget to bring your headphones).

Guided tours will be offered again as of July 22. Spy camp is also starting again, with a limit of 8 people. Their escape room opens on July 24!

 

Ottawa Art Gallery:

They are open! The OAG reopened to the public on July 9. It is still free to visit, but you must register ahead of time online (no walk-ins permitted). The shop is also open for debit and credit transactions. Remember to wear your mask and social distance.

 


National Gallery of Canada:

The gallery reopens to the public on July 18, 2020, which includes the majority of the exhibitions. The Àbadakone exhibition has been extended until October, and reopens on July 23. It includes presentations of international indigenous artwork, featuring over 70 artists.

The National Gallery has increased cleaning of the facilities, has sanitizer stations and is encouraging distancing.  Each patron will be required to wear a mask. Water fountains and restaurants inside will be closed.

Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm. The gallery is offering free admission on July 18 and 19!

 

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum:

The Agriculture and Food museum was the first of the Ingenium museums to be reopened to the public. They have opened with new hours; Thursday – Sunday from 9:30am-4:30pm.

E-ticketing will be introduced, and you will need to book a time slot for visiting the museum. You should arrive 10 minute early to allow parking time before your reservation.

 

Canada Aviation and Space Museum: 

All local Ingenium museums are again open. The Aviation and Space Museum is  open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 4pm. Special measures will be in place for cleanliness and distancing, and of course masks are required.

E-ticketing has been introduced, and you will need to book a time slot ahead of time to visit the museum.

 

Canada Science and Technology Museum:

It has re-opened with new safety procedures in place. The new hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-4pm, (free admission between 3pm-4pm). Tickets will be e-tickets, and will be available on IngeniumCanada.org. Book ahead of time!

 


Canadian Museum of Nature:

The museum has reopened with new guidelines and hours. Open Wednesday - Friday from 10am - 4pm, and weekends 11am - 4pm. You must purchase your tickets online ahead of time, with a specified time slot. Note, you can bring your own water bottle because fountains are off. 

They have partnered with Ottawa’s Music and Beyond festival, to create an online ‘Music and Nature’ series. Watch online!

 

Mill of Kintail:

The Almonte museum and washroom facilities are again open; register by emailing or calling ahead. The reduced hours are; Friday to Monday, 10am-3pm. Don't forget about the nearby trail system!

 

Watson’s Mill:

It is open and admission is free! Hours have been reduced to Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4:30pm. Maximum 5 people allowed on a floor at any time. Sign in required upon entry, for tracing purposes. Cash payment is only allowed in exact amounts.

 

Bytown Museum:

The museum remains closed at this time. Take a virtual tour or watch an online performance.

 


Canadian Museum of History:

The museum is now open with new safety measures, Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 4:00pm.  Open late Thursdays. Admission is now free throughout the summer! Book your tickets online, and make sure to check ahead as it is selling out. 

 

Canadian War Museum:

The war museum is now open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am - 4:30pm. Open until 8pm on Thursday. Note that Memorial Hall is closed. Book tickets as early as Monday for the week you'd like to visit. 

 

Royal Canadian Mint:

The Mint is again operational and producing coins, but is closed to the public. 

The 2020 Recognition Medal is available online, created as a dedication to the work of our frontline heroes.

 

Rideau Hall:

The grounds have recently reopened, and tours remain postponed. You can assess the grounds only from 10am - 4pm via Sussex Gate. Take the virtual tour, here.

 

Goulbourn Museum:

Closed until further notice. Enjoy a virtual tour option.

 

Bank of Canada Museum:

The museum is closed until further notice. Up-to-date information and blogs found online.

  

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum:

This Almonte museum is closed for the time being, and working on updates and procedures for a partial October reopening. Stay tuned for their online gift shop.

 

Billings Estate National Historic Site:

Recently reopened, they encourage pre-booking online or calling the museum. The hours are currently Wednesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm. You can also read online and learn the history, here.

 

 

 

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