Canadian Museum of Nature, Natural history museum in Central Ottawa, Canada
The Canadian Museum of Nature is a natural history institution in Central Ottawa that holds extensive collections of minerals, fossils, and specimens representing Canadian biodiversity across multiple floors and galleries. Each area focuses on a different aspect of the natural world, from geological formations to living ecosystems.
The institution began in 1842 as part of the Geological Survey of Canada, focusing on documenting the country's mineral resources and geological structures. In 1912, it gained official status and moved into the building originally intended for Parliament.
Visitors can see how Indigenous communities have understood and used the natural world alongside scientific explanations of ecosystems and wildlife found across Canada. The displays combine different ways of knowing, showing that local knowledge and research methods each offer their own perspective on the environment.
The building opens daily with guided tours available in English and French, and stays open longer on Thursdays. Visitors should plan several hours to explore the different floors and exhibition areas.
The central glass lantern tower illuminates a blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling of the Queens Lantern gallery. This skeleton is among the largest specimens of its kind on display anywhere in the world.
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