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!

Kelowna’s Memorial Arena was built to honour local soldiers and those who lost their lives during WWII. The City of Kelo...
05/27/2026

Kelowna’s Memorial Arena was built to honour local soldiers and those who lost their lives during WWII.

The City of Kelowna began constructing the Memorial Arena in 1945. The venue opened years later on Remembrance Day, 1948, with a seating capacity of around 2,000. Since then, it has been a focal point for both athletics and entertainment. The Kelowna Packers, Buckaroos, Wings, and Rockets have all called it home. Today, Kelowna Minor Hockey and the Okanagan College Hockey League use the rink.

Learn more by visiting the Okanagan Military Museum.

05/25/2026

This month we are discovering the amazing flower power of your favorite pollinators, and maybe a few you wouldn’t expect! Get a close look at bees and butterflies, decorate a bee hotel and mix up a flower seed bomb to help your local pollinators thrive.

Kelowna Museums’ Cub Club program is designed for curious young explorers to discover history, nature, and culture through fun, hands-on activities every month.

Recommended for kids aged 5-8, but all ages are welcome to attend.

Please register all family members. There are limited spots!

Click here to register! Cub Club: Pollinator Flower Power

05/23/2026

Join Keith, our military historian, as he shares details of the memorial crosses on display at the Okanagan Military Museum.

Photos: b/w cross OMM-P-346, b/w cross in France OMM-P-696, 2CMR cross in church DL Cyr

It’s game time! We are thrilled to bring the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Legends of Hockey exhibition to the Laurel Packinghou...
05/22/2026

It’s game time! We are thrilled to bring the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Legends of Hockey exhibition to the Laurel Packinghouse! Get up close with iconic memorabilia, historic trophies, and the stories of the greats who shaped the game.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Head over to the Family Zone at Stuart Park to test your skills with interactive hockey-themed games.

Laurel Packinghouse - 1304 Ellis St

Stuart Park - 1430 Water St

Hockey Hall of Fame

KCCLSociety's Asian Heritage Month Showcase is on Sunday, May 31st. Visit their profile for all the information!The Kore...
05/21/2026

KCCLSociety's Asian Heritage Month Showcase is on Sunday, May 31st. Visit their profile for all the information!

The Korean Canadian Community Living Society was incorporated as a non-profit society on August 27, 2025.

Only two more days until the Memorial Cup competition begins!Did you know that the Rockets had their start in Tacoma, Wa...
05/20/2026

Only two more days until the Memorial Cup competition begins!

Did you know that the Rockets had their start in Tacoma, Washington? The franchise was started in 1991 and didn’t move to Kelowna until 1995. For their first four years in Kelowna, the Rockets’ home ice was in Kelowna’s Memorial Arena. The team made their permanent home at Prospera Place (then known as Skyreach Place) when it opened in April 1999.

The Rockets have played in the Memorial Cup six times, including in this year’s tournament. In 2004, not only did Kelowna have the honour of hosting the tournament, but the Rockets won it on home ice. GO ROCKETS GO!

Jersey, signed by the 2001-2002 Rockets team

Join us in celebrating the Memorial Cup! May 21 – 31Stop by the Okanagan Military Museum during the last two weeks of Ma...
05/18/2026

Join us in celebrating the Memorial Cup! May 21 – 31

Stop by the Okanagan Military Museum during the last two weeks of May to explore a special display about the legacy of Kelowna’s Memorial Arena and its role in our community. Then, head over to the Laurel Packinghouse for a premier travelling exhibition from the Hockey Hall of Fame, sponsored by Pushor Mitchell. This family-friendly experience brings the game to life through interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and storytelling. Round out your tour with even more hockey content at the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame Gallery, located inside the Okanagan Heritage Museum.

05/16/2026

Join us for Craft & Chat: Peace Cranes on May 21st from 6-8pm at the Okanagan Heritage Museum! Click the link for all the details.

A special visitor stopped by to see the new Regatta exhibit! Murray Joyce was involved with Regatta for years, filling r...
05/14/2026

A special visitor stopped by to see the new Regatta exhibit! Murray Joyce was involved with Regatta for years, filling roles ranging from swim judge and recorder, to executive committee member to General Chairman. Thanks, Murray, for spending some time with us and sharing some of your memories.

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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