Experience Arts & Culture in Nova Scotia this Winter
Create unforgettable memories with friends and family this winter through vibrant arts and crafts, UNESCO World Heritage sites and more!
Did you know that Nova Scotia is home to 28 provincial museum sites? Located in all regions of the province, these sites work to share the stories of what has formed the Nova Scotia that we know today and where we are going in the future. Take time to visit this summer, you’ll probably learn something new and have a little fun along the way!
Better understand Nova Scotia’s cultures
Nova Scotia Museum sites not only encapsulate historically significant time periods and events that have impacted the province, but work to showcase and educate about Nova Scotia’s cultures. Mi’kmaw, Black, Gaelic and Acadian people in Nova Scotia have important stories to be shared. These cultures are the roots from which Nova Scotia continues to grow from.
They’re everywhere
With 28 locations, there are NS Museum sites dotted across the province. No matter where your travels take you this summer, chances are high that you can work a visit to a museum site into your plans. From downtown Halifax to Yarmouth; Pictou to Cape Breton, make time to visit a site and learn something new about Nova Scotia’s past and where the future may take us.
The animals
While exploring Ross Farm Museum, Baile nan Gàidheal/Highland Village, Sherbrooke Village Museum, and Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse enjoy a visit with the heritage animals and traditional livestock like oxen, sheep and pigs that call these museums home. Chat with an interpreter about how these animals played a role in daily lives of Nova Scotians in the 1800s and 1900s.
For something a bit unexpected – how about a visit with Gus the 100+ year-old Gopher Tortoise at the Museum of Natural History?
Hands-on activities and demonstrations
Many of the Nova Scotia Museum sites offer educational demonstrations and fun hands-on activities like planting, wood working and candle making at Ross Farm Museum. Enjoy boat building, quilting, and blacksmithing demonstrations at Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse and spinning wool, weaving on traditional looms, rug hooking, and open-hearth cooking at Baile nan Gàidheal/Highland Village.
Search for fossils during a beach walking tour with Fundy Geological Museum, watch as grain is turned into flour at Balmoral Grist Mill Museum, see a model schooner launch at Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and check out print shop, machine shop and sawmill demos at the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry.
The kids will love them
Whether your kids are intrigued by costumed interpreters telling stories of days gone by, exploring re-created historic villages, searching for fossils, stepping onboard Bluenose II, checking out antique fire engines, learning about the Titanic disaster, or discovering animal species native to Nova Scotia, to name a few, Nova Scotia Museum sites have exhibits and activities to keep kids engaged and entertained. They also make for the perfect rainy-day outing!
They’re well priced
Admission to Nova Scotia Museum sites is budget-friendly with day admission rates ranging from about $2-$9 per adult. For even more added value consider a Museum Pass which will gain you unlimited entry into all 28 Nova Scotia Museum sites for a full year. Passes cost $92.65 for a family (two adults and their children) and $46.85 for a single adult (18+). Purchase a pass in person at any of the Nova Scotia Museum sites.
The gift shops
Pick up a perfect souvenir to remember your trip to Nova Scotia at one of the museum site gift shops. With a selection of souvenirs and gifts, locally made products, books, toys, and products themed to the museum and community the museum is in, you are certain to find a special something for yourself or for family and friends back at home.
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