KelownaMuseums

KelownaMuseums Since 1936 as a community interest & since 1951 as a registered society, the Kelowna Museums Society.

The past fifteen years have seen many changes at the Kelowna Museums, including name changes, new logos and the amalgamation of the Okanagan Military Museum (OMM). The Okanagan Military Museum Society’s board is still active and works with the Kelowna Museums Society in many aspects of the operation of the museum, which is in the lobby of the Memorial Arena, at the corner of Doyle Avenue and Ellis

Street. In 2011, the OMM archives were named the Vince Bezeau Military Library and Archives in memoriam for a dedicated board member. In the spring of 2019, the Kelowna Museums Society finalized a multi-year renovation of the gallery and exhibitions at the Okanagan Heritage Museum. This exciting and carefully conducted process means that the OHM is almost an entirely ‘new’ museum. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing new stories about our rich and fascinating local history!

If you've driven along Ellis St. lately, you may have noticed Memorial Arena getting a bit of a touch up. Stop by the Ok...
09/01/2026

If you've driven along Ellis St. lately, you may have noticed Memorial Arena getting a bit of a touch up. Stop by the Okanagan Military Museum this week to see what a difference a fresh coat of paint can make--looking sharp!

Ever wondered what it takes to earn a military medal, or how to properly display them as they become family heirlooms? J...
08/20/2026

Ever wondered what it takes to earn a military medal, or how to properly display them as they become family heirlooms? Join Keith, our Military History Interpreter, at the Okanagan Military Museum this Saturday at 2pm for a break down of the stories and protocols behind military honours.

This program is free with admission.

Though it was the ultimate summer staple, the Kelowna Regatta didn't actually have a fixed week on the calendar! Swipe t...
08/12/2026

Though it was the ultimate summer staple, the Kelowna Regatta didn't actually have a fixed week on the calendar!

Swipe through for a look at an assortment of program covers from Regatta celebrations held between August 12–15 over the years! ⛵

Kelowna Public Archives: 2004.008

During the 1975 Kelowna Regatta, conditions on Okanagan Lake were so rough that the hydroplanes called it quits. But Ric...
08/10/2026

During the 1975 Kelowna Regatta, conditions on Okanagan Lake were so rough that the hydroplanes called it quits. But Ric Stacey and his team? They revved up a bathtub and set a record instead!

Ric's tub completed the epic journey from Hot Sands Beach to Penticton and back in a wild 3 hours and 19 minutes. Talk about a legendary run! 🏆

Thanks to Ric for sharing this awesome piece of history with us.

Photo: 1975 Daily Courier clipping, courtesy of Ric Stacey

On this day 46 years ago, 20 lucky entrants participated in the 3rd annual "Gut Bomb" Bellyflop Championship, sponsored ...
07/26/2026

On this day 46 years ago, 20 lucky entrants participated in the 3rd annual "Gut Bomb" Bellyflop Championship, sponsored by CKOV as part of the 1980 Regatta festivities. Undoubtedly entertaining to watch, but, what a name!

Kelowna Public Archives: 2004.008

Throwback to '86: 80 years of sun, speed, and unforgettable Kelowna Regatta fun! ☀️🏆Stop by the Okanagan Heritage Museum...
07/24/2026

Throwback to '86: 80 years of sun, speed, and unforgettable Kelowna Regatta fun! ☀️🏆

Stop by the Okanagan Heritage Museum today to see even more fun retro Regatta ads and dive into the full history of this legendary event.

Want to know how local heroes shaped world history? Join our Military History Interpreter, Keith, to learn the incredibl...
07/23/2026

Want to know how local heroes shaped world history? Join our Military History Interpreter, Keith, to learn the incredible story of the BC Dragoons and their role in breaching WWII's formidable Gothic Line.

Free with admission to the Okanagan Military Museum. Bring your curiosity and your questions!

Who remembers the Fat Cat Children's Festival?! Before it became its own standalone event, this iconic festival started ...
07/23/2026

Who remembers the Fat Cat Children's Festival?!

Before it became its own standalone event, this iconic festival started out as part of the Kelowna Regatta. Jas, our Head of Exhibitions, was there in 1987 and even rocked the Punk Hairdo and Face Painting Booth!

By 1990, Fat Cat moved to June, becoming the ultimate end-of-the-school-year field trip tradition.

Address

470 Queensway Avenue
Kelowna, BC
V1Y6S7

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

250-763-2417

Website

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