A must-do for any visitor to Victoria is a trip to the Royal BC Museum.

Located at 675 Belleville St., across from the Provincial Legislature Bldgs., and just down from the Empress Hotel/Convention Centre, the Royal BC Museum is a great way to spend a few hours – or while away an afternoon!

 

first people's gallery

First People’s Gallery

In addition to the on-going exhibits there’s always something new to check out.  The museum is large, with several floors to explore.

 

 

**The Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria announced last week that it would close sections of its First Peoples galleries, beginning this month. In January, the entire wing, located on the museum’s third floor, will close. The closure comes in response to calls by Indigenous activists to change how the museum discusses the colonization of British Columbia, privileging the stories of settlers over the Indigenous peoples who had long lived on the land.**

Some of the permanent exhibits are:  The Natural History Gallery – with displays of plants, animals & sea life indigineos to the area;  A Modern History Gallery – with displays of clothing, artifacts and culture from days gone by to the present; and BC Archives – with original documents, photographs and diaries on display.

 

natural history gallery

Natural History Gallery

There is a small coffee vendor in the main lobby and snack-type items at the Imax counter.  There is a marvelous gift shop in the lobby as well with loads of local books, crafts, jewelry, toys and art.  One of my favorite places to shop!

In addition to the permanent exhibits there is usually a traveling exhibit that’s around for usually a few months.  Check HERE to see the current and up-coming exhibits!

To round off your visit, check out the Imax Theatre which is housed in the same building.  There are different short films every hour during the day and usually a feature-length Hollywood-style film at night.