Quote:
The museum is set in a heritage building that temporarily served as Parliament from
1916-18 when the actual Parliament Buildings burned down. The building is gorgeous inside - high ceilings, stained glass and carved wooden staircases.
Inside, there are 4 floors of exhibits with lots of hands-on and interactive displays. The
main floor has life size replicas of dinosaurs and information on the earth and how it has
evolved. Kids will enjoy participating in "Animal Athletes" where they participate in
warm up events, athletic events and learn about healthy eating. Each event relates to a
different animal and they compete against pretend kangaroos in jumping, elephants in
weightlifting, etc.
Floor 2 showcases birds and mannals that are native to Canada. The displays are life size
and very well done. There is also a large display on rocks, metals and minerals found in
Canada as well as a replica of a mining shack.
Floor 3 holds the popular "Creepy Critters", displays of live insects, rodents, reptiles, etc. I didn’t spend much time here since it’s definitely not my thing!
Floor 4 had a small conservatory as well as an interesting display of plant life as it relates
to health issues and there were many plants and herbs that are used in today’s herbals
medicines. There were some sample bottles with scents like lavender and thyme and
information on their healing properties.
As well as a gallery guide, you can ask the admissions clerk for a sheet detailing the
supposed ghosts that inhabit the Museum. It’s a rather tongue-in-cheek account of
possible ghosts and ghost sightings that have occurred since the building was opened in
1912.
The museum is open daily from 9:30 to 5 pm in the summer (closed Mondays in the winter). On Thursday, it’s open until 8 p.m. and admission is free from 5 to 8.
From journals
Adventures in Ottawa