Museums in North America
North America is home to some of the most captivating museums in the world, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation. From iconic institutions preserving Indigenous heritage and colonial artifacts to cutting-edge museums showcasing contemporary art and technological advancements, these cultural landmarks provide a deep dive into the region’s diverse legacy. Whether you're exploring the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., the art collections of New York’s Metropolitan Museum, or the natural wonders displayed at the Royal Ontario Museum, each destination offers a unique perspective on North America’s past, present, and future. With immersive exhibits, rare collections, and interactive experiences, these museums cater to history buffs, art lovers, and curious travelers alike.
Top Museums in Canada
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
Website: rom.on.ca
Collections: The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest museum, housing over 13 million objects that span art, culture, and natural history. Its diverse exhibits include ancient artifacts, dinosaur fossils, and contemporary art, offering a comprehensive exploration of world cultures and natural wonders.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
Website: ago.ca
Collections: The Art Gallery of Ontario boasts a vast collection of over 90,000 works, ranging from Canadian art to European masterpieces and contemporary pieces. Highlights include the Group of Seven paintings and an extensive photography collection, making it a cornerstone of Toronto's art scene.
Aga Khan Museum
Address: 77 Wynford Dr, Toronto, ON M3C 1K1
Website: agakhanmuseum.org
Collections: Dedicated to Islamic art and culture, the Aga Khan Museum features artifacts spanning over a millennium, including manuscripts, ceramics, and textiles. The museum offers insights into the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions of Muslim civilizations to world heritage.
Bata Shoe Museum
Address: 327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7
Website: batashoemuseum.ca
Collections: Showcasing footwear from around the world, the Bata Shoe Museum houses over 13,000 shoes and related artifacts. Exhibits explore the evolution of shoe design, cultural significance, and the role of footwear in various societies throughout history.
Gardiner Museum
Address: 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7
Website: gardinermuseum.on.ca
Collections: Specializing in ceramics, the Gardiner Museum's collection encompasses pottery from ancient Americas, European porcelain, and contemporary ceramic art. The museum offers a deep dive into the art and history of pottery across cultures and time periods.
Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto (MOCA)
Address: 158 Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON M6R 2B7
Website: moca.ca
Collections: MOCA showcases innovative contemporary art across various mediums, including visual arts, sculpture, and digital installations. The museum collaborates with local and international artists, fostering a dynamic space for creative expression and dialogue.
Textile Museum of Canada
Address: 55 Centre Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2H5
Website: textilemuseum.ca
Collections: This museum celebrates global textile traditions, featuring a collection of over 13,000 artifacts such as garments, carpets, and fabrics. Exhibits highlight the cultural and historical significance of textiles, as well as contemporary fiber art practices.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal)
Address: 1380 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3G 1J5
Website: mbam.qc.ca
Collections: Founded in 1860, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one of Canada's most prominent art institutions. Its extensive collection encompasses over 43,000 works, including Canadian and international art, contemporary pieces, and decorative arts. The museum also hosts numerous temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and concerts, offering a dynamic cultural experience.
Pointe-à-Callière Museum
Address: 350 Place Royale, Montreal, QC H2Y 3Y5
Website: pacmusee.qc.ca
Collections: Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal's archaeology and history complex, is situated on the very site where the city was founded. The museum offers immersive underground archaeological tours, showcasing artifacts from Indigenous settlements to modern times. Visitors can explore multimedia exhibitions that bring Montreal's rich history to life.
McCord Museum
Address: 690 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 1E9
Website: musee-mccord.qc.ca
Collections: The McCord Museum celebrates Montreal's social history through a vast collection of over 1.5 million artifacts. Exhibits cover diverse topics, including Indigenous cultures, fashion, photography, and decorative arts. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and interactive installations, engaging visitors in the city's evolving narrative.
Redpath Museum
Address: 859 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0C4
Website: mcgill.ca/redpath/
Collections: Located on the McGill University campus, the Redpath Museum is dedicated to natural history. Its diverse exhibits feature dinosaur fossils, minerals, and artifacts from ancient civilizations. The museum also offers educational programs and public lectures, fostering a deeper understanding of natural sciences.
Château Ramezay Museum
Address: 280 Notre-Dame St E, Montreal, QC H2Y 1C5
Website: chateauramezay.qc.ca
Collections: Housed in a historic 18th-century residence, the Château Ramezay Museum offers a glimpse into Montreal's colonial past. The museum's collections include artifacts, artworks, and manuscripts that depict the city's political and cultural development. Visitors can also explore the recreated Governor's Garden, reflecting the horticultural practices of the era.
Montreal Holocaust Museum
Address: 5151 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Rd, Montreal, QC H3W 1M6
Website: museeholocauste.ca
Collections: The Montreal Holocaust Museum educates visitors about the Holocaust through personal stories, artifacts, and survivor testimonies. Its collection includes photographs, documents, and objects that illustrate the experiences of Jewish communities before, during, and after World War II. The museum aims to promote respect for diversity and the sanctity of human life.
Museum of Jewish Montreal
Address: 5220 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, QC H2T 1S1
Website: museemontrealjuif.ca
Collections: The Museum of Jewish Montreal offers interactive exhibits and virtual experiences that explore the rich history of Jewish life in the city. Its collections feature oral histories, photographs, and artifacts that highlight the community's cultural and social contributions. The museum also hosts cultural events, walking tours, and educational programs.
National Gallery of Canada
Address: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4
Website: gallery.ca
Collections: The National Gallery of Canada houses an extensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, as well as European and American pieces. Visitors can explore various art forms, from classical paintings to contemporary sculptures and modern video installations. The gallery frequently updates its exhibitions offering fresh and engaging experiences for art enthusiasts.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Address: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R1
Website: nature.ca
Collections: The Canadian Museum of Nature showcases Canada's natural history through exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, and diverse ecosystems. Highlights include a towering blue whale skeleton and interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages. The museum's architecture combines historic charm with modern design, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Canadian War Museum
Address: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8
Website: warmuseum.ca
Collections: The Canadian War Museum offers a comprehensive overview of Canada's military history, featuring artifacts, personal stories, and military vehicles. Exhibits cover conflicts from pre-colonial times to contemporary missions, providing insight into the experiences of those who served. The museum also hosts special exhibitions that delve into specific aspects of warfare and its impact on society.
Bank of Canada Museum
Address: 30 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G9
Website: bankofcanadamuseum.ca
Collections: The Bank of Canada Museum explores the nation's monetary history, offering interactive exhibits on currency, economics, and the role of the central bank. Visitors can engage with hands-on displays that demystify financial concepts and showcase historical banknotes and coins. The museum aims to educate the public on the importance of monetary policy and financial literacy.
Museum of Vancouver
Address: 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
Website: museumofvancouver.ca
Collections: The Museum of Vancouver offers a comprehensive look into the city's history, from its Indigenous roots to contemporary urban life. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that chronicle Vancouver's cultural evolution. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various social and cultural themes relevant to the city's diverse population.
Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Address: 2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
Website: beatymuseum.ubc.ca
Collections: The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is dedicated to enhancing the appreciation of biodiversity which houses over two million specimens. A highlight is the 25-meter blue whale skeleton, suspended in the atrium. The museum's exhibits emphasize the species of British Columbia offering insights into the region's rich natural heritage.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Address: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
Website: vanartgallery.bc.ca
Collections: The Vancouver Art Gallery boasts an extensive collection of Canadian art including works by renowned Indigenous and contemporary artists. The gallery also features international exhibitions, offering a diverse artistic experience. Its programs and installations aim to engage the public in dialogues about art and its role in society.
Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Address: 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Website: moa.ubc.ca
Collections: The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia showcases global arts and cultures with a focus on Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast. Its collection includes totem poles, ceramics, and textiles displayed in architecturally stunning spaces. The museum serves as a center for research and public education on cultural diversity and history.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Address: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G3
Website: billreidgallery.ca
Collections: The Bill Reid Gallery is dedicated to Indigenous art, particularly highlighting the works of Haida master artist Bill Reid. The gallery features jewelry, sculptures, and prints that showcase the traditional craftsmanship and cultural significance of Northwest Coast Indigenous art. Rotating exhibits also present contemporary Indigenous artists who continue to shape the artistic landscape.
Roedde House Museum
Address: 1415 Barclay Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1J6
Website: roeddehouse.org
Collections: Roedde House Museum offers a glimpse into late 19th-century Vancouver life through a restored heritage home. The museum contains period furnishings, artifacts, and personal belongings of the Roedde family, showcasing the domestic culture of the era. Guided tours and special events provide deeper insight into the historical significance of the home.
Chinese Canadian Museum
Address: 51 E Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1S9
Website: chinesecanadianmuseum.ca
Collections: The Chinese Canadian Museum celebrates the contributions and history of Chinese Canadians through exhibits, photographs, and cultural artifacts. The museum is located in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, providing context to the community’s evolution over generations. Visitors can explore stories of immigration, resilience, and achievements that shaped Canada's multicultural identity.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Address: 1905 Ogden Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3
Website: vanmaritime.com
Collections: The Vancouver Maritime Museum highlights the region’s rich maritime history, featuring exhibits on shipbuilding, naval exploration, and Arctic exploration. A centerpiece of the museum is the St. Roch, a historic vessel that was the first to navigate the Northwest Passage from west to east. The museum also hosts educational programs and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
Address: 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7
Website: centre.nikkeiplace.org
Collections: The Nikkei National Museum preserves and shares the history of Japanese Canadians through archival documents, artifacts, and art. Exhibits highlight themes of immigration, internment during World War II, and cultural contributions to Canadian society. The museum also features contemporary art exhibitions that reflect the ongoing legacy of the Nikkei community.
Museums in Mexico
Mexico has it's own independent page for museums
.Check out our list of 59 museums in Mexico here* and find the ideal museum during your trip.
Museums in United States
The U.S. has it's own independent page for museums
.Check out our list of 785 museums in the United States* and find the ideal museum during your trip.
Note: Operating hours may vary. We recommend to check the official websites or contact the museums directly before planning your visit.