CANADA'S MUSEUMS

Canada's museums include non-profit museums, art galleries, science centres, aquaria, archives, sports halls-of-fame, artist-run centres, zoos, and historic sites across Canada. They range from large metropolitan galleries to small community museums. All are dedicated to preserving and presenting our cultural heritage to the public.

There are some 2,500 museums and related institutions in Canada. These institutions preserve our collective memory, shape our identity, and promote tolerance and understanding. Millions of artworks, objects, specimens, and documents are held in trust by Canada's museums. Each year, more than 59 million visitors attend Canadian museums and a further 60 million visit our historic and natural parks. These institutions employ over 24,000 staff, and are supported by more than 55,000 volunteers, and 300,000 friends. They receive 7.5 million visits from school children annually.

Museums contribute over $650 million in salaries and wages to Canada's economy, and contribute $17 billion annually to Canada's GDP.

Search the Directory of Canada's Museums to find museums on particular topic, or by province.

You can also find out information on provinicial museum activities from the Provincial Museum Associations.

Interested in what Canadians think about their museums?
Read the report Canadians and their Museums