We’re thrilled to offer visitors access to all of our exhibition spaces
The Canadian War Museum is open. Our hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on Thursday.
We look forward to welcoming you back with in-gallery interpretation, the special exhibitions World Press Photo (opens July 23), Forever Changed – Stories From the Second World War, Liberation! Canada and the Netherlands, 1944–1945, the Legion National Foundation’s Poster and Literary Contest Winners 2020, and perennial favourites like the LeBreton Gallery.
Please book your timed admission ticket online. All visitors, including Museum Members, are required to have a ticket.
Following provincial guidelines, and to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all, we are limiting the number of visitors inside the Museum through timed online ticketing. Other safety measures include masks inside the Museum (mandatory for visitors ages 5 and up, but highly recommended for ages 2 and up), signage for physical distancing and increased cleaning.
For more on what to see and do at the Museum, please scroll down, or plan your visit here.
We can’t wait to see you again!
- Exhibitions
- Gallery Interpretation
- Food Services
- Gift Shop
- Temporarily Closed / Unavailable
- More activities
Exhibitions
All main galleries, with the exception of the Memorial Hall, are open.
For your safety, some interactive elements in the galleries are temporarily unavailable.
The following exhibition list is current as of July 13. Check our exhibitions listing for the most up-to-date offerings.
World Press Photo – Exhibition 2021
(opens July 23)
This exhibition inspires an understanding of the world through creative and quality photojournalism. The photographs build upon the Museum’s own exhibitions about post-Cold War conflict, and underline how these events continue to shape the world.
World Press Photo of the Year
© Mads Nissen, Denmark, Politiken/Panos Pictures
Forever Changed – Stories From the Second World War
Weaving together diverse stories and compelling artifacts, this exhibition brings to life the impact of the Second World War on the lives of Canadians.
Forever Changed – Stories from the Second World War
Liberation! Canada and the Netherlands, 1944–1945
This wall display showcases key events of the liberation and personal stories that highlight the enduring connection between Canada and the Netherlands.
Photo: George Metcalf Archival Collection. Canadian War Museum 19920085-1384.
Legion National Foundation’s Poster and Literary Contest Winners 2020
The winning entries for 2020 — eight posters and two literary pieces — are on display in the Lobby, near the Gift Shop.
Detail of black and white poster by Shaelyn Lorensen (Abbotsford, British Columbia). © The Royal Canadian Legion
Canadian Experience Galleries
Radiating from a central hub, these four galleries explore the human side of Canada’s military history.
Gallery 1: Early Wars in Canada
Photo: Canadian War Museum, CWM2020-0027-0005-Dm
Gallery 2: The South African and First World Wars
Photo: Canadian War Museum, CWM2020-0027-0016-Dm
Gallery 3: The Second World War
Photo: Canadian War Museum, CWM2020-0027-0022-Dm
Gallery 4: From the Cold War to the Present
Photo: Canadian War Museum, CWM2020-0027-0023-Dm
Royal Canadian Legion Hall of Honour
This small gallery is dedicated to Canadian traditions of remembrance, and includes the original maquette made for the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
Photo: Canadian War Museum, CWM2020-0027-0007-Dm
LeBreton Gallery
Featuring military hardware — from tanks and artillery to a fighter jet — this gallery explores the equipment used by Canadian soldiers, from the First World War to 21st-century conflicts.
Photo: Canadian War Museum, CWM2020-0027-0014-Dm
Regeneration Hall
Lined with large maquettes of the statues adorning the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, this space also offers a unique view of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.
Photo: Canadian War Museum, CWM2020-0027-0011-Dm
Gallery Interpretation
Throughout the Museum’s exhibition spaces, our friendly program interpreters are on hand to enhance your visit with stories and information about certain exhibitions. A different theme is covered in each gallery.
Gallery 1: General Brock’s Tunic and Battlefield Medicine
Gallery 2: The Trench Experience
Gallery 3: Second World War Medals
Gallery 4: Surviving an Improvised Explosive Device Attack
LeBreton Gallery: Spotlight on Military Technology
Note: Gallery interpretations are subject to staff availability, and not all themes are available at all times.
Food Services
The Museum’s Café and dining area are open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vending machines featuring snacks and cold beverages are also available.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on Thursday. You can also shop online.
Temporarily Closed / Unavailable
Memorial Hall
Military History Research Centre
Guided Tours
Guided tours will not be offered at this time.
School Programs
On-site school programs will not be offered at this time.
More activities
Activities