The Canadian Museum of Nature is one of the world’s leading natural history museums. Located in Ottawa, Canada, the museum is a national institution with a mandate to educate and inform Canadians about the diversity and richness of our natural heritage. The museum houses an extensive collection of more than 30 million specimens and artifacts, including dinosaurs, minerals, plants, animals, fossils, and human remains. The museum also has an active research program that focuses on the study of biodiversity, evolution, and ecology.
The Canadian Museum of Nature was founded in 1856 as the Geological Survey of Canada. The survey was tasked with conducting scientific investigations into the geology of Canada. In 1911, the survey was renamed the Dominion Geological Survey and its mandate expanded to include all aspects of Canada’s natural history. In 1968, the survey was again renamed – this time to the Geological Survey of Canada – and it became part of what is now Natural Resources Canada. In 1990, responsibility for the survey transferred to Parks Canada. Finally, in 1998 ,the Canadian Museum Of Nature Act was passed by Parliament , making it an independent Crown corporation responsible directly to Parliament through Ministerial oversight .
The Canadian Museum Of Nature has six public galleries which are spread over three floors: Gallery 1 (rocks and minerals), Gallery 2 (fossils), Gallery 3 (birds), Gallery 4 (mammals), Gallery 5 (nature live!),and finally gallery 6 which contains changing exhibitions . There are also spaces dedicated to school groups , adults ,and young children where they can learn about nature through interactive displays . The fourth floor contains offices , meeting rooms , a café ,and a gift shop .
Admission to most areas of permanent galleries is free with suggested donation . Group rates are available for school groups or adults accompanying youth groups . Admission rates for special exhibitions vary depending on content but are generally around $15 for adults and $10 for seniors/students .Children under 4 years old have free admission .