Museums, Juneau

This Anchorage museum offers an in-depth look at Alaskan Native life—with a big focus on Alaska Natives. Watch dancing, listen to stories, meet carvers and explore recreated winter dwellings. The setting is so small and intimate that visitors are sometimes even invited to join the dancers on stage. You'll see how Alaska Native history is not a collection of artefacts behind glass: this is a living, dynamic culture that you can experience firsthand. Of course, you can also see plenty of crafts and handiwork: beautifully adorned moose hide boots, birch bark baskets, and tunics made from seal hide. Outside, you can check out the life-sized traditional native dwellings—like a Supiaq, a semi-subterranean home built by the Alutiiqs to shelter themselves from the harsh Alaskan climate. Or, enter a Southeast Alaska Longhouse—large wooden constructions with no windows and only a smoke hole at the top—that generally housed several families. Inside you will find four beautifully carved posts that each represent a different culture. Each post is carved and painted with a different theme of respect; respect for family, environment, culture, and self. Aside from the beauty of the ornate posts, it is very unique to be able to experience four cultures in one house. https://www.alaska.org/detail/alaska-native-heritage-center

Homesteaders. Entrepreneurs. Photographers. This petite, but very well-done museum in midtown Anchorage offers engaging proof of how the state of Alaska has been shaped - and is still being shaped - by a diverse community. It's open 1 pm - 6 pm Sunday through Thursday year-round (closed Friday and Saturday for the Jewish Sabbath). It takes only 15 minutes to see the exhibits, but you can also watch a 90-minute video about Warren Metzker, a legend of Alaska aviation who captained the Jewish airlift of Yemenite Jews to the newly-created state of Israel. Launched in the summer of 2013, the Alaska Jewish Museum was the brainchild of a group of Alaskans, led by Rabbi Joseph Greenberg of Anchorage’s Alaska Jewish Campus, who wanted to explore the Jewish history and culture that had made an impact on the state of Alaska - as well as the Alaskans who have made an impact on the larger Jewish community. They began by creating and partnering with various exhibits—for example, a 2013 exhibit hosted by the Anchorage Museum of Art about the work of Ruth Gruber. Though not an Alaska native herself, Gruber is a respected Jewish photojournalist who documented the early days of modern Israel and also spent time in Alaska decades ago, capturing valuable images of features and terrain that simply don’t exist anymore. https://www.alaska.org/detail/alaska-jewish-museum

This museum in downtown Anchorage may house artefacts that are hundreds of years old, but its high-calibre collection—and its solid connection to the community—makes it feel like a living museum. Even though the art-gallery-sized space feels intimate, this is the largest private collection of its kind in Alaska. The museum was started by the First National Bank of Alaska in 1976, as a way for the bank’s owners, the Rasmussen family, to create a space for high-quality art and artefacts largely from Alaska's native tribes, such as the Northwest Coast Indian, Athabascan, Aleut, Yupik and Inupiaq tribes. Wells Fargo bought the museum in 2000 and has its own piece of Alaska history to share: the bank and delivery service used to ship gold out from the Klondike during the gold-rush days of the late 1800s and early 1900s, while also bringing in both miners and materials. To date, the museum’s collection now has about 6,000 artefacts and works of art, as well as 4,000 books, in museum branches around the state; this Anchorage flagship, though, has 900 pieces on display, including traditional clothing, a collection of historic Alaskan business tokens, a Bering Sea kayak covered in traditional seal skin, and paintings by such famed Alaskan artists as Sydney Laurence, Fred Machetanz and Eustace Ziegler. https://www.alaska.org/detail/alaska-heritage-museum-at-wells-fargo

Alaska's largest museum, the Anchorage Museum tells the real story of the North. The twisting story, the unsuspected story, the many-faceted story- a story that weaves together social, political, cultural, scientific, historic and artistic threads. Explore the full diversity of Alaska Native cultures, including masterworks of Alaska Native art and design from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution. The Art of the North galleries in the museum’s new wing present the museum’s art collection from the perspectives of American art and an international North. Paintings, sculpture, photography, video and other media offer varied perceptions of the Northern landscape and wilderness through historical and contemporary depictions of both land and people. The new Alaska Exhibition tells the story of Alaska through multiple voices and perspectives reflecting the ingenuity, technology, ways of knowing and intimate understanding of the landscape that have allowed people to survive and thrive across the North. The exhibition is organized by 13 themes reflecting essential aspects of life in Alaska, both today and throughout the state’s rich history. These themes reveal the identity of Alaska and its people. Discover Alaska and the Arctic through science. In the 11,000-square-foot Discovery Center, visitors of all ages are introduced to Alaska and the Arctic through technology, interactive installations, artwork, marine-life tanks and more. Space is divided into several distinct areas, each providing an opportunity to learn about our Northern environment. https://www.anchorage.net/listings/anchorage-museum/36698/

What was it like for a family living in Anchorage in 1915? The Oscar Anderson House Museum, located in Elderberry Park at 5th Avenue and M Street, is the perfect way to find out. Oscar Anderson played a large role in the development of early Anchorage, and his house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The restoration took place between 1978-1982 with help from the Anderson Family, and particularly their daughter Ruth. The interior was intricately restored to represent its earliest décor. The Museum was opened to the public in the early 1980s and has provided Alaskans and visitors with a chance to experience life in early Anchorage for over 30 years. Tours are available by appointment and regularly from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Or come visit during Swedish Christmas, the first two weekends each December, when the house is elaborately decorated and special Swedish treats are available. https://www.alaska.org/detail/oscar-anderson-house

One of the top 5 attractions in Anchorage, the Alaska Aviation Museum is special. Each aircraft and artefact holds a fascinating, relevant, meaningful Alaska history back story. As a state with few transportation options over a vast territory, aviation developed a rich and textured legacy. The Alaska Aviation Museum is located on the world’s busiest seaplane base, Lake Hood, at Anchorage International Airport. Open daily 9 am-5 pm during the summer, it’s a substantial museum boasting 4 hangars of exhibits and vintage aircraft (over 25 vintage aircraft in flying condition on display). (Follow website or Facebook for winter hours.) Outdoor exhibits; Restoration hangar (watch volunteers at work restoring vintage aircraft); Control tower (watch seaplanes land and take off, including live real-time radio tower feed); Flight simulators, including full-immersion virtual reality; World-class gift store. Allow 1½ to 2 hours for a visit. https://www.anchorage.net/listings/alaska-aviation-museum/35730/

Just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC houses one of the world’s finest displays of Northwest Coast First Nations arts in a spectacular Arthur Erickson designed building overlooking mountains and sea. See magnificent carvings, weavings and contemporary artworks inside the soaring glass and concrete structure of the Museum’s Great Hall. Admire the world’s largest collection of works by acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men. Explore the Museum’s Multiversity Galleries where more than 9,000 objects from around the world are displayed. Visit the award-winning Koerner Ceramics Gallery, displaying a collection of European ceramics unique to North America. Stroll the Museum’s grounds, where monumental Haida houses, poles and Musqueam house posts capture the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture and design. Enjoy a wide range of special exhibitions and public programs, including free guided gallery walks, visit the MOA Shop and relax in Café MOA. https://www.tourismvancouver.com/listings/museum-of-anthropology-at-ubc/17853/

Overlooking Victoria's majestic Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings are open to the public year-round. Visitors are invited to discover the architectural splendour of the Parliament Buildings and learn about British Columbia's Legislative Assembly. The Parliament Buildings are open to the public from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Visitors are welcome to join one of the regularly-scheduled guided tours or to explore the buildings on their own self-guided tour. During the busy summer season, the Parliament Buildings are open for tours seven days a week, including statutory holidays. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/attractions/british-columbia-parliament-buildings

See all of British Columbia at the Royal BC Museum, a world-class museum of natural and human history. Explore our core galleries and immerse yourself in tales of where we've been and where we are going. Discover things and people you never knew before. Marvel at the totems, masks and cultural treasures featured in the world-class First Peoples Gallery. Experience authentic artifacts and highly realistic settings -- from the Woolly Mammoth in his rocky, icy world to a tar-scented trip on the HMS Discovery. Your experience doesn't end with Museum's galleries. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/attractions/royal-bc-museum

Known for boundary-pushing exhibitions, Henry Art Gallery aims to inspire original thinking. Visit this University of Washington museum to see a sizable collection of contemporary art, photographs, costumes, and textiles. https://henryart.org/

Music, science fiction, and pop culture all come together at the fascinating Museum of Pop Culture. The Frank Gehry-designed building looks like a smashed guitar from above, while inside, its colorful exhibits cover everything from the history of indie video games and horror films to Nirvana, the Seahawks, and more. http://www.visitseattle.org/partners/museum-of-pop-culture-mopop-pd/

In the heart of downtown, SAM wows with its light-filled galleries housing everything from Australian aboriginal paintings and ancient Mediterranean sculptures to Native American house posts. Plus, its lineup of rotating special exhibits continues to draw arts-lovers season after season. http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/

Open since 1952 on Capitol Hill, Frye Art Museum is always free. Alongside the permanent collection from the Fryes, who amassed more than 230 paintings—primarily late 19th- and early 20th-century German art—you’ll find cutting-edge rotating exhibits on offer. http://www.visitseattle.org/partners/frye-art-museum/

You might feel like a kid at heart when you spot the dozens of pinball machines inside the Seattle Pinball Museum, which includes old classics and brand-new prototypes. Best of all, no quarters are necessary—just pay a flat admission fee and pinball your heart out. Bonus: Seattle Pinball Museum sells soda for the kiddos and beer for adults. http://www.seattlepinballmuseum.com/

Enjoy the wonder of flight in one of Seattle's most spectacular settings. This 15-acre campus includes over 160 air and spacecraft, the original Boeing Aircraft factory, flight simulators, and dozens of fun, interactive exhibits and family activities. From the world's oldest fighter plane to the supersonic Concorde, the only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer and the beautiful Boeing 787 Dreamliner, you'll see the machines and experience the stories of those who flew them. The unique, 3-acre Aviation Pavillion offers the dramatic development of large aircraft in an open-air gallery with a cafe and children's playground. Relax on the cafe patio -- spectacular views of Mt. Rainer no extra charge! http://www.museumofflight.org/

Explore on your own or join a docent-led tour for an interactive and unique adventure into the world of contemporary glass. Explanatory commentary in the form of interpretive text panels, interactive technology and gallery guides are provided to ensure your experience is meaningful and engaging. The galleries at Museum of Glass are dedicated to both temporary exhibitions, as well as works from our Permanent Collections that feature twentieth and twenty-first century glass. The exhibitions span a wide range and convey the meaning and motivations of the artists with the help of Curatorial Team of Museum. On the third Thursday of every month, Museum of Glass is open late, 5-8pm, with no admission fees. Stop in to see Hilltop Artists in the Hot Shop, explore our current exhibitions, and discover special hands-on projects in the Education Studio. https://museumofglass.org/

Look at gorgeous crafts that can be ceremonial, expressive, sculptural, and more with a strong emphasis on personal cultural expression. From musical instruments to sculptures, every piece of fine craft the gallery carries is a part of an artist's portfolio which evolves as they progress in their discipline. Experience original exhibitions and fabulous shopping at the Alberta Craft Gallery in Calgary. The best place to discover Alberta-based artists working in ceramics, wood, metal, jewelry, fiber, stone, and glass. The Gallery features rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Visit the Alberta Craft Gallery and over 30 other art studios and organizations at the new SPACE King Edward, located in the vibrant Marda Loop neighborhood. https://www.visitcalgary.com/places/alberta-craft-gallery

TELUS Spark Science Centre is a space for people of all ages and abilities to let go and embrace the desire to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math. Exhibits and programs ignite a sense of wonder and excitement. Over 200 hands- on experiences and the largest Dome theatre in Western Canada. General admission covers all special exhibits, unlimited Dome shows and the award winning outdoor Brainasium park. Enjoy a bite in the Spark Eatery and find unique gifts for that science geek in your life in the Spark Store. Spark Science Centre is a registered charity, and every dollar you donate empowers a child, a student, a parent, or a new Canadian to discover a world inspired by curiosity. Drink out of a toilet! Lay on a bed of nails! Live science demos, amazing Facilitators and an open studio where you can create and explore. Currently showing Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out, as well as the new Dome show, Great Bear Rainforest! https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/attractions/telus-spark-science-centre

Escape Today at Heritage Park Historical Village. See and feel the past as it comes to life in front of your eyes. This unique Park’s attractions and exhibits span Western Canadian history from the 1860s to 1950s. You will see the vital story of the settlement of the west not only preserved, but presented alive and in great working condition! Ride the authentic steam train, make old-fashioned ice cream with the prairie townsfolk, explore our First Nations encampment, enjoy the antique midway, savour fresh baked treats from the Alberta Bakery, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, and set sail on Calgary’s only paddlewheeler. With over 180 exhibits on 127 acres of land, Canada’s largest living history museum offers an authentic experience from four key periods: the 1860s fur trading era and First Nations encampment, 1880s rustic pre-railway settlement, a bustling 1910 prairie railroad town and the 1930s -50s in Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square. As an accredited museum, Heritage Park is proud to preserve and share history in a way that lets visitors experience it with all five senses. Costumed interpreters add another dimension to the immersive historical experience and bring the attractions and exhibits to life. https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/attractions/heritage-park-historical-village

Wanuskewin Heritage Park sits above Opimihaw Creek and the South Saskatchewan River near Saskatoon – a window into a part of Canada’s history that remains largely undiscovered, and a link to our past unlike any other National Historic Site in Canada. Wanuskewin’s uniqueness is not just the fact that there exists evidence of ancient peoples, but rather the composition of many different aspects of habitation, hunting and gathering, and spirituality – all in one place. The Wanuskewin area contains some of the most exciting archaeological finds in North America, many of which predate the pyramids of Egypt. To date, 19 Pre-Contact archaeological dig sites have been identified on the terraces and point bars in the Opimihaw Creek valley bottom or coulee depressions along the valley wall of the South Saskatchewan River. As soon as the Opimihaw Creek valley became available for human occupation 6,000 years ago, virtually every Pre-Contact cultural group recognized across the Great Plains visited this location. https://wanuskewin.com/

Located in River Landing, Remai Modern is a direction-setting new art museum. It boasts 11 gallery spaces and a wide variety of programs including films, workshops, talks and more. The Cameco Learning Studio hosts art-making activities for all ages and the Art & Design Store offers a one-of-a-kind Saskatoon shopping experience. Visit remaimodern.org for a full schedule of exhibitions and events. Be sure to stop for brunch, lunch or dinner at Shift restaurant on Remai Modern's ground floor. Remai Modern is a thought leader that boldly collects, develops, presents and interprets the art of our time. Our mandate is to enable transformative experiences by connecting art with local and global communities. http://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/listings/Remai-Modern/1343/?fromMenu=640

The Ukrainian Museum of Canada overlooks the South Saskatchewan river and is within Saskatoon's vibrant downtown. In the summer, the riverbank is the center of many different heritage, arts and cultural events. The purpose of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada (UMC) is to acquire, preserve, study and interpret, on a national basis, representative artifacts which depict the Ukrainian heritage and its contribution to Canada. Museum has been building its library, archival and artifact collections since the 1930s. Its collection includes Ukrainian schoolbooks, records from some prominent Ukrainian Canadians, and extensive textiles, as well as numerous other items. http://www.umc.sk.ca/page/index_new

Transport yourself back to early 20th century Boomtown - from the general store overflowing with everything from nails to gingham, to be blacksmith shop ringing with the sound of the hammer striking the anvil. Explore the world of alternative fuel vehicles with the Fuelled by Innovation exhibit and Saskatoon's only vintage car collection. Don't miss Winning the Prairie Gamble - the story of Saskatchewan farm family as they grow and change over 100 years. Take your breath away - step into the WDM Saskatoon. A visit to Boomtown lets you walk through time. Saskatchewan inspired stories unfold everywhere as you journey from 1910 to the present. https://www.wdm.ca/stoon.html

Welcome to the Museum of Antiquities: a collection of ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern sculpture in full-scale replica. The Museum features the Charioteer of Delphi, the Venus de Milo, and panels from the frieze of the Parthenon, as well as other famous and intriguing works. The collection also includes original pottery, glass and Roman coinage. The Museum of Antiquities on the University of Saskatchewan campus offers a rare opportunity for anyone interested in art or antiquity. Featuring a collection of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern sculpture in full scale replica including the Charioteer of Delphi, panels from the frieze of the Parthenon, and other famous and intriguing works, as well as original Roman coinage. The Museum of Antiquities on the University of Saskatchewan campus offers a rare opportunity for anyone interested in art or antiquity. http://artsandscience.usask.ca/antiquities/

The Hand Wave Gallery is a proudly Saskatchewan art gallery that features the original art of known and upcoming Saskatchewan art and artists that work in fiber, pottery, paint, ceramics, metal, glass, paper, and other interesting mediums. Extensive selection of ceramics by Anita Rocamora & textiles by June Jacobs. http://www.handwave.ca/

The Heritage Centre, opened in 2007, tells the story of Canada’s mounted police service from its conception in the early 1870s. Designed by world-famous architect, Arthur Erickson, the statuesque building in glass, stone and concrete, is home to various state of the art exhibits and displays illuminating the mounted troop’s history. Starting with the history of the creation of the mounted police force, the main Exhibit Gallery showcases six exhibits on the maintenance of law and order from early days to present. Here you can also learn about the famous Northwest campaign presented from different points of view. See the famous Louis Riel’s handcuffs and learn about famous law enforcement officers and what it takes to be a Mountie on patrol. Be it the ‘March of the Mounties’ or the role of horses in Mounted Police, or the famous musical ride, visitors will take home a sense of what the Mounties has offered and continues to offer the Canadians. Watch the Sergeant Major’s Parade on Monday to Friday during the summer, and from Tuesday to Friday from September until the end of April at 12:45 pm. In summer, see the Sunset-Retreat Ceremony! This colourful event lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes military music, the lowering of the Canadian flag, the March Past, and a troop drill display performed by cadets dressed in the famous scarlet tunic. Also the centre offers age appropriate activities for school kids including Mini marching mounties, Mini musical ride. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/rcmp-heritage-centre/

Government House was built in 1891 and served as the official residence and office of the Lieutenant (pronounced “left-tenant”) Governor until 1945. The Lieutenant Governor is the Queen’s representative for Saskatchewan. In 1945, Government House was leased to the Department of Veterans Affairs as a convalescent home until 1957. In 1958-1977, the house was used as a centre for adult education and became known as Saskatchewan House. Restoration on Government House started in 1978 and it opened as a museum in 1980. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor did not return to the house until 1984 and currently occupies the north wing of the house. Today, Government House is restored to the time period of 1898-1910, during the tenure of Lieutenant Governor Amédée Forget. It has an Interpretive Centre and beautiful Edwardian Gardens. http://www.governmenthouse.gov.sk.ca/about/

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum was the first museum in Saskatchewan, Canada, and the first provincial museum in the three Prairie Provinces. Established in 1906 as the Provincial Museum of Natural History, with a view to secure and preserve natural history specimens and objects of historical and ethnological interest, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum currently draws 1,40,000 visitors annually. It was renamed the Royal Saskatchewan Museum following the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada. The Royal Saskatchewan Museum houses three main galleries: the Life Sciences Gallery, the First Nations Gallery, and the Earth Sciences Gallery. From the diversity and beauty of Saskatchewan landscapes at the Life Sciences Gallery to the First Nations Gallery celebrating the history and traditions of Aboriginal societies that lived in Saskatchewan, this place has lots to offer. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/royal-saskatchewan-museum/

Built in 1912, this beaux-arts architecture designed by renowned architects Edward and William Sutherland Maxwell of Montreal, expresses the style of the English Renaissance and Louis XVI of France. The Governor General of Canada, Earl Grey laid the cornerstone for the Building in 1909 and later inaugurated in 1912 by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught. It was named as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2005. This stunning home of the Saskatchewan legislature is truly worth a visit. From the majestic exteriors to the colorful well-maintained gardens, this place is a visual treat. Be wowed by the building made with Manitoba Tyndall stones, the beautiful settings of the Prince of Wales entrance, the marble columns, the symmetrical grand staircase and the marble rotunda with its decorative designs welcoming natural skylight. Did you know that this building has 34 different kinds of marble? Do not forget to appreciate the antique table used by the Canada Fathers of Confederation in the library or the assembly rooms with its green carpet and mahogany desks. This is one stately building you wouldn’t want to miss! https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/saskatchewan-legislative-building/

The Saskatchewan Science centre strives to ignite scientific curiosity and innovation in Saskatchewan communities through interactive, dynamic, and engaging learning opportunities. The Centre’s exhibit floor features over 150 hands-on science exhibits and live stage shows and demonstrations. The exhibits showcase all scientific disciplines with everything from space, to energy, to the wildlife of Saskatchewan being open to exploration. Visiting exhibits mean that there is always something new to learn about and play with at the Science Centre. In the past, the science centre have we’ve featured such exciting exhibitions as Dinosaurs Unearthed, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, and for the summer of 2015 we are thrilled to host Arctic Voices! Watch live demonstrations at the Space Stadium Stage to learn about everything from cryogenics, to air pressure to the sweet science of sugar. Not a kid anymore? That doesn’t mean the Science Centre isn’t for you! Enjoy advanced programming and a licenced bar at one of our Adult Science Nights! https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/saskatchewan-science-centre/

The Aerospace Museum of California is one of aviation's greatest showcases with over 40 military and civilian aircraft and a world-class engine exhibit. Located 15 minutes from Cal Expo, the Museum has STEM activities from building block competitions and scavenger hunts to a motion movie ride and realistic Flight Zone simulators. Experience every era of aviation from a fully restored 1932 Curtiss Wright speed wing biplane to the Titan IV LR87 space booster engine. Come experience the amazing innovation of flight! https://aerospaceca.org/

First opened to the public in 1976, the California State Railroad Museum complex is one of Sacramento’s largest and most popular visitor destinations. Over 500,000 visit the Museum annually, with guests traveling from throughout the world to experience this world-renowned facility. https://www.californiarailroad.museum/visit

The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the Sacramento Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a wide spectrum of special exhibitions, events, and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European, and Asian works. https://www.crockerart.org/