Canadian War Museum

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Canadian War Museum Canada’s national museum for military history. Visit our website. Since its opening in 2005, the Museum has welcomed approximately 500,000 visitors every year.
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Canada’s national museum of military history and one of the world’s most respected museums for the study and understanding of armed conflict. Pour notre page Française : http://www.facebook.com/museedelaguerre

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The Museum traces its origins back to 1880, when it consisted primarily of a collection of militia artifacts. The Museum opened at its new location on the LeBreton Flats site in downtown Ottawa on May 8, 2005. Its opening not only marked the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe (V-E Day) but also the 125th anniversary of the Museum itself. The Museum’s exhibition galleries and public programs have been designed to emphasize the human experience of war. The Canadian Experience Galleries present the military history of Canada from earliest times to present day, as well as Canada’s history of honouring and remembrance. Each gallery highlights defining moments in Canada’s military history and the ways in which past events have shaped the nation. The Museum’s collections are among the finest military holdings in the world, including rare vehicles, artillery, uniforms, medals, personal memoirs and 14,000 works in the Beaverbrook Collection of War Art. In total, the collection comprises more than 3 million artifacts, specimens, works of art, written documents and sound and visual recordings. The Military History Research Centre houses the George Metcalf Archival Collection and the Hartland Molson Library. These extensive collections of primary and secondary research material document Canada’s rich military history.

Five seconds. That was all soldiers had. 💥 Issued in 1915, the Mills bomb was small enough to carry by hand, but its fra...
10/16/2026

Five seconds. That was all soldiers had. 💥

Issued in 1915, the Mills bomb was small enough to carry by hand, but its fragments could travel up to 200 metres after detonation.

📸 Fragmentation Hand Gr***de No. 5, Mk I

CWM 19390002-659

History Social: A Musical Tour of Close to Conflict – Canada and the American Civil War 🎶 📅 October 21 at 10:30 am Join ...
10/15/2026

History Social: A Musical Tour of Close to Conflict – Canada and the American Civil War 🎶

📅 October 21 at 10:30 am

Join Tim Foran, Exhibition Curator and Historian of Early Canada, for a guided journey into the music of the American Civil War, Reconstruction, and Confederation. As you move through the exhibition, he shares the stories behind the songs and performs select pieces, bringing history vividly to life.

Part of History Social, a wellness series for older adults connecting you to the people and stories behind the Museum — with coffee, conversation, and Q&A. Developed in collaboration with The Royal.

🔗 Learn more on our website.

Close to Conflict – Canada and the American Civil War ⚔️  Today, Canada stands as a proud and independent power, defined...
10/14/2026

Close to Conflict – Canada and the American Civil War ⚔️

Today, Canada stands as a proud and independent power, defined by diverse identities, a federal parliamentary system, and strong institutions. But did you know many of these foundations were forged in response to a war we weren’t officially part of?

Close to Conflict invites you to explore how the American Civil War set Canadian society, politics and military on a transformative path, and why its legacies still matter today.

Before the military made room for them, women were already organizing. 🎖️ Their persistence helped lead to the creation ...
10/12/2026

Before the military made room for them, women were already organizing. 🎖️

Their persistence helped lead to the creation of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1941. This recruitment poster captures that changing moment.

📷 Wartime Recruitment Poster
Canadian War Museum 19880069-865

On October 9, 1918, Canadian forces captured Cambrai. The victory came after days of costly fighting west of the city. A...
10/09/2026

On October 9, 1918, Canadian forces captured Cambrai.

The victory came after days of costly fighting west of the city. Among the units pushing forward was Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, whose soldiers are pictured here resting shortly before the advance.

📷 Soldiers of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry resting, September 1918

CWM 19930012-629 (O.3175)

Last chance! 🎨 Each year, students from across the country submit artwork, poetry, essays and videos to the National You...
10/08/2026

Last chance! 🎨

Each year, students from across the country submit artwork, poetry, essays and videos to the National Youth Remembrance Contests, organized by the Legion National Foundation. This exhibition showcases this year's winning entries — 8 posters, 2 literary pieces, and 2 videos.

See how young Canadians reflect on remembrance, sacrifice and history through their own eyes and voices. Powerful, moving, and not to be missed.

⏳ Don't wait — the exhibition closes October 15!

🔗 Learn more on our website.

She helped keep soldiers safe without ever going to the front. 🛠️ During the First World War, Mary Mays inspected artill...
10/07/2026

She helped keep soldiers safe without ever going to the front. 🛠️

During the First World War, Mary Mays inspected artillery shells for defects as a mu*****ns worker. Her service badge marks the time she spent supporting Canada’s war effort.

📷 Mary Mays’ Imperial Mu*****ns Board Woman War Worker Badge, 1914–1918

Canadian War Museum 19800471-001

Passionate about design and exhibitions?We’re looking for an Assistant, Exhibition Design. Bring your creativity and des...
10/05/2026

Passionate about design and exhibitions?

We’re looking for an Assistant, Exhibition Design.

Bring your creativity and design expertise to unique exhibition projects, from concept development and technical drawings to installation and final delivery.

📅Apply before October 25, 2026.

For more information on this position and other job opportunities, visit the link:
https://tre.tbe.taleo.net/tre01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=CMCC&cws=54&rid=1407

📅October is Women’s History Month. Throughout October, we honour the women who shaped Canadian military history. During ...
10/01/2026

📅October is Women’s History Month.

Throughout October, we honour the women who shaped Canadian military history.

During the Second World War, around 50,000 women served in the RCAF Women’s Division, Canadian Women’s Army Corps, and Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service.

📸CWM 1005100306500

Address

1 Vimy Place
Ottawa, ON
K1A0M8

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18005555621

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