VICTORIA, BC — Summer is in full swing at the Royal BC Museum with a season’s worth of family-friendly events to entertain kids of all ages.
From behind the scenes tours to the reopening of Old Town and Helmcken House, there’s always something new and exiting happening at the museum this June, July and August.
The Truth about Jurassic Park
Ever wonder what Jurassic Park got right and what elements of the film may have gotten the old Hollywood razzle dazzle? Separate the fact from fiction with a special presentation from Royal BC Museum Collections Manager and Researcher of Palaeontology, Derek Larson, for The Truth about Jurassic Park: A discussion of the dinosaurs from the film. Following the presentation, stick around to watch the film in 3D and put your newfound knowledge to the test. Tickets available through imaxvictoria.com.
When: Thursday, June 29, 7:15–10:30 PM
Where: IMAX® Victoria at the Royal BC Museum
Carillon Recital
Join Provincial Carillonneur Rosemary Laing throughout the summer for live recitals at the Netherlands Centennial Carillon. Music will feature songs written for the carillon, as well as Canadian folk tunes and popular music.
When: Most Sundays, June 30 through August 27, 3:00–3:45 PM
Where: Netherlands Centennial Carillon, Royal BC Museum
Behind the Scenes Tours
All summer long, visitors are invited to peek behind the curtain and see how the museum works behind the scenes. See for yourself where we store the provincial collections and where our talented staff conduct much of their research. Mondays and Fridays feature Mammal Matters, Tuesdays and Wednesdays will highlight Butterflies and More, and Thursdays are all about Flower Power. Tours are free, but limited to 10 people. Register in person at the information desk on the main floor one hour before the tour start time.
When: Weekdays through September 4, 11:00–11:30 AM
Where: Information desk, Royal BC Museum
Natural History Tours
Join museum staff for a guided tour of the Natural History Gallery on the Royal BC Museum’s 2nd floor. Discover the highlights and hidden gems of this immersive ode to British Columbia. Included with admission, no registration required.
When: Saturdays and Sundays through September 3, 2:30–3:30 PM
Where: 2nd Floor, Royal BC Museum
Helmcken House
One of the oldest houses in British Columbia to be located on its original site is re-opening its doors to the public once again. Tour the home of Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company and son-in-law of Governor James Douglas, and view many personal items that once belonged to the esteemed family.
When: Daily through September 4, 12–2 PM
Where: Helmcken House, Royal BC Museum
RBCM@Home: Queer Lives During WW1
June 29–July 9 is Pride Week in Victoria. In recognition of Pride Week, 2SLGBTQ+ (Queer) history advocate and founder of the Newfoundland Queer Research Institute, Sarah Worthman, will discuss her research into the lives of queer Canadians during the First World War. Registration required.
When: July 5, 11:00–11:30 AM
Where: Online
Art Classes for Adults
Let your creativity soar with our upcoming Art Class for Adults series. Featuring art instructor Geri Engen from Kudzu Studio, these classes encourage original self-expression in a safe, supportive environment. Purchase tickets on a per class basis for $45 each or attend all four for $150. Royal BC Museum members can receive an additional membership pre-sale discount of 10% now through July 4.
When: Gelatin Printmaking—July 16, Abstract Forest Painting—July 30, Tide Pool Abstracts—August 13, Owl Soft Cut Stamps—August 27, 1–4 PM
Where: The Community Room, Royal BC Museum
Dino Saturdays
Between SUE: The T. rex Experience, Dinosaurs of BC and Dinosaurs of Antarctica it’s shaping up to be a hot dino summer. The celebrate our scaly (and sometimes feathered) friends, we’re hosting Dino Saturdays, the last Saturday of each month all summer long. Included with admission, no registration required.
When:July 29 and August 26, 1–4 PM
Where:2nd Floor, Royal BC Museum
On top of all that, we have four feature exhibitions on through January, including Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia, SUE: The T. rex Experience, Sacred Journey, and Dinosaurs of BC.
More fun than you can fit into one day? Take advantage of our summer hours—we’re open late Fridays and Saturdays until 10 PM—and don’t forget to pick up a Royal BC Museum Membership so you can come back anytime to wander the galleries and take it all in at your own pace.
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About the Royal BC Museum: The Royal BC Museum explores the province’s human history and natural history, advances new knowledge and understanding of BC, and provides a dynamic forum for discussion and a place for reflection. The museum and archives celebrate culture and history, telling the stories of BC in ways that enlighten, stimulate and inspire. Located in Victoria on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen (Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations), we are a hub of community connections in BC—on-site, off-site, and online—taking pride in our collective histories.
For tickets to IMAX® Victoria and the Royal BC Museum, including combo tickets for both attractions, visit: Tickets
Memberships are back! Pick yours up today: Membership
For information about visiting the Royal BC Museum, visit: Plan Your Visit
