KelownaMuseums

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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 ā€˜new’ museum. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing new stories about our rich and fascinating local history!

Join Keith Boehmer, Military History Interpreter, at the Okanagan Military Museum for a look at the Battle of Vimy Ridge...
10/15/2026

Join Keith Boehmer, Military History Interpreter, at the Okanagan Military Museum for a look at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This session reviews the realities of WWI trench warfare and explores the key factors, including Canadian cohesion and tactical artillery, that led to victory. Keith will highlight the roles played by British Columbia units, including the 2nd Canadian Mounted Ri**es (CMR), and discuss the battle’s achievements, iconic monument, and enduring legacy.

Free with admission to the OMM. Register here: https://www.kelownamuseums.ca/event/history-bits-with-keith-boehmer-vimy-ridge/

Pray, dear guests, do join us for a most curious glimpse into the spooky history of spirit photography and early Kelowna...
10/14/2026

Pray, dear guests, do join us for a most curious glimpse into the spooky history of spirit photography and early Kelowna Halloween. You shall have the rare opportunity to create your very own haunting photographs, employing an authentic technique from the 19th century. How delightfully eerie!

Following our curious presentation, you are invited to linger awhile, partake in pleasant conversation, and enjoy the company of fellow artisans whilst tending to your latest artistic endeavour. Light refreshments and snacks shall be provided for your enjoyment.

Oct 23rd 6:00-8:00 pm at the Okanagan Heritage Museum
By donation. Register here: https://www.kelownamuseums.ca/event/craft-chat-spirit-photography/

They're baaaaaack... Join us for Best of the Buried, a unique "greatest hits" tour through Kelowna Memorial Park Cemeter...
10/02/2026

They're baaaaaack... Join us for Best of the Buried, a unique "greatest hits" tour through Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery's pioneer section. Over this one hour tour, we’ll bring together the most captivating, mysterious, and unforgettable tales from our popular cemetery tour series.

Wander the grounds, discover the intriguing residents who lived (and died) here, and connect with the rich history beneath your feet.

Register here:

Join us for the ā€œBest of the Buried,ā€ a greatest hits tour! This one-hour tour condenses the most captivating stories from our cemetery tour series into a single experience.Ā 

Wow, what an incredible day! 🧔 Thank you to the over 500 community members who joined us yesterday at the Okanagan Herit...
10/01/2026

Wow, what an incredible day! 🧔 Thank you to the over 500 community members who joined us yesterday at the Okanagan Heritage Museum for our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Open House.

Seeing so many of you take the time to first support KFS's march, then visit, learn, and share with us was incredibly moving. Moments like yesterday show the true heart of our community.

A huge thank you as well to our extraordinary staff and dream team of volunteers. This day wouldn't have been possible without your hard work and dedication.

Join us at the Okanagan Heritage Museum from 12 to 4pm for the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Staff and volunt...
09/28/2026

Join us at the Okanagan Heritage Museum from 12 to 4pm for the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Staff and volunteers will be on site to facilitate guided and self-guided learning stations, and 94 Calls to Action Reading Circles will run from 12 to 1:30pm and again from 2 to 3:30pm (pre-registration is appreciated--link in bio).

Admission on this day is by donation. All proceeds will go towards making our Indigenous education programs free to access for Indigenous community members. In 2025, we waived over $8,000 in program fees.

Please also consider supporting our friends at Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society from 10am to 12pm, Sncewips from 10am to 4pm, and Metis Community Services (Mashkwa Healing Grounds, 2300 Lynrick Rd) from 3pm to 5pm.

Join Keith at the Okanagan Military Museum next Saturday, September 19 at 2pm for a specialized tour exploring the fasci...
09/12/2026

Join Keith at the Okanagan Military Museum next Saturday, September 19 at 2pm for a specialized tour exploring the fascinating history of captured enemy technology. Discover the immense individual courage required to face down these battlefield menaces, and how they ultimately transformed into powerful symbols of victory and triumph.

Free with admission.

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.

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

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