Helmcken House, House museum in Victoria, Canada.

Helmcken House is a house museum in Victoria, next to the Royal BC Museum. Its oldest part is a log cabin core built in 1852; in 1882 Dr. Helmcken added a wing with a board exterior. The interior is kept as it was at his death in 1920, with his suits still hanging in place.

The building was constructed in 1852 as a residence for Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, who became the first speaker of British Columbia's assembly. He played a key role in negotiations that led to the province joining Canadian Confederation.

The house displays medical tools and personal items belonging to Dr. Helmcken, revealing how people lived and how healthcare was practiced in 19th-century British Columbia. Visitors see the everyday objects that shaped life during this period.

The museum is managed by the Royal BC Museum and offers guided tours year-round, allowing visitors to explore the preserved rooms and original furnishings. It's best to check in advance for tour schedules, as these may vary depending on the season.

The oldest part of the house is its eastern section, built in 1852 as a log cabin. In 1882 Helmcken enlarged the house with an addition clad in boards rather than logs. The interior has been kept largely as it was at his death in 1920, down to his suits still hanging in place.