Royal British Columbia Museum, Natural history museum in Victoria, Canada
The Royal British Columbia Museum is a natural history museum in Victoria with three permanent galleries covering natural history, modern history, and First Nations heritage. The collection spans several million objects distributed across different scientific disciplines.
The museum was founded in 1886 when citizens worried that natural specimens and First Nations artifacts from British Columbia were being exported to other regions. The institution received its royal designation in 1986 during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.
The museum stands on traditional Lekwungen territories and displays Indigenous artifacts from the region. The exhibitions integrate perspectives from the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, offering insights into the history and culture of these peoples.
The museum is located between the Empress Hotel and the Legislative Buildings, making it easy to find. Visitors should allow plenty of time to explore the various galleries, as the collection is extensive.
The museum maintains a collection of insects and fossils that support scientists researching the biodiversity of western Canada. These scientific objects often go unnoticed by visitors but remain valuable for ongoing research projects.
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