Children viewing a museum exhibit

Visit

From the forest to the sea, explore the fascinating natural world of Nova Scotia through our collections, exhibits, activities.

Hours & Admissions

Hours

Monday9:30 to 4:30
Tuesday9:30 to 4:30
Wednesday9:30 to 4:30
Thursday9:30 to 4:30
Friday9:30 to 4:30
Saturday9:30 to 4:30
Sunday9:30 to 4:30

Admissions

Adult$6.30 
Youth (6-17) $4.05
Child (5 and under) Free
Senior$5.70
Student$5.25
Family A (2 adults and children under 17)$17.95
Family B (1 adults and children under 17)$12.50

Annual Pass

What is an Annual Pass?

The Museum of Natural History is pleased to offer Annual Passes that are valid for one year from the date of purchase.

Benefits of Annual Pass

  • Unlimited Regular Admission to the Museum
  • 15% off Gift Shop purchases
  • Skip the Queue privileges
  • Invitations to select Museum events

Cost and Use

Adult$17.95
Family$42.50

When visiting, you must stop and present your valid Annual Pass at the Admissions Desk. If you do not have your Pass you must have a valid photo ID that shows your address that matches that on file.

Purchase an Annual Pass 

You can purchase your Annual Pass at the Admissions Desk. Currently this is the only option for pass purchase.

Renew your Annual Pass 

You can renew your Annual Pass at the Admissions Desk. Currently this is the only option for Pass purchase.

Give an Annual Pass as a gift

You can purchase a gift Annual Pass at the Admissions Desk. This pass would become valid when activated by the gift recipient.    

Can someone else use my Annual Pass?

No. Annual Passes are specific to individual Pass Holders and are non-transferable.

What if I lose my Annual Pass?

Annual Pass cards are not replaceable. If you lose your card you must have a valid photo ID that shows your address that matches that on file. You will be issued a new card when you renew your Annual Pass.

Location & Parking

Location

The Museum of Natural History is located at 1747 Summer Street in the heart of historic Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. We are just one block north of the Public Gardens, and west of Citadel Hill National Historic Site, and just south of the Halifax Commons.

Parking

The Museum of Natural History has a pay and display lot on site which is administered Indigo for the QEII Health Science Centre. Parking is $1.50 per half hour and the machine accepts coins and credit cards.

In addition to the Museum's parking lot, there are numerous parking meters surrounding the Museum and additional parking in parkade at the QEII Health Science Centre, Robie Street entrance.

Public Transit

Transportation By Bus Metro Transit Routes stopping in front of the Museum:

  • Bus # 20 all day weekdays, no weekends or holidays
  • Bus # ‘s 21, 23, 31, 32, 33, 34, 53, 59, 68, 84, 85, 86, 87 run at rush hour 6:00am-9:30 am and 3:30pm-6:30 pm
    * these buses do not stop on Summer Street during the weekends or holidays.
Mastodon plushie

Museum Shop

The Museum of Natural History Gift Shop offers a wide selection of unique products including local & Canadian-made items, exhibit-inspired gifts, stuffed animals, jewellery, books, craft kits, treats and so much more. Stop by the shop to see our full selection, you’re sure to find something new and exciting each visit!

Contact the Gift Shop at (902) 424-6548.

Sensory Resources

If you or someone you know has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or sensory sensitivities, we would like to help you prepare for your visit to the Museum of Natural History.

Download a sensory map

The map provides the layout of the museum and indicates areas that tend to be noisier and where you can sit down for a quiet rest.

Download our Social Narrative

Download our Social Narrative (PDF) to see photos and learn more about what you can see and do at the museum when you visit.

Narwhal 2024 Social Narrative 

Download our Narwhal 2024 Social Narrative (PDF) to see photos and learn more about the Narwhal exhibit for when you visit.

Logo for Autism Nova Scotia

Sensory Friendly Sundays

Autism Nova Scotia and the Museum of Natural History presents Sensory Friendly Sundays at the Museum every Sunday. During this time, you can enjoy all the museum has to offer, plus reduced lighting, reduced sound, sensory maps and social narratives.

Prepared in Partnership with Autism NS

Accessibility

Although we still have much work to do to be fully accessible, we do offer the following and welcome you to the museum. We will update this page as we make improvements.

  • 2 designated accessible parking spaces, curb cuts from the parking lot
  • A ramp leads from the parking lot to the main entrance
  • There is a drop off spot on Summer St, directly in front of the museum.
  • Main door and lower level door (exit) are equipped with a power opener
  • Both stairs and an elevator provide access to lower level program rooms and the washrooms
  • Designated single-use, gender-neutral, washroom with a power door opener
  • All exhibits are on one level (although there is a steep interior ramp)
  • Seating in select locations throughout the exhibits
  • Spacious exhibits with wide pathways
  • Two wheelchairs available for visitor use (first come, first serve)
  • Sensory map of the galleries and social narrative available for download or at the admissions desk
  • Fire alarms include both auditory and visual signals
  • The Museum of Natural History is proud to be an Aira Access Partner.

Gallery construction

Please note that the museum will be undergoing some construction in our galleries until late January 2025. During your visit you may experience sudden and loud bursts of sound. This work is necessary as we prepare to open a new exhibit. We apologize for any disturbance this causes during your visit.

ACCESS 2

The Museum of Natural History is a participating venue in the Easter Seal’s Canada Access 2 Card program that offers free admission for the companion of those visitors who require assistance while visiting the museum.

Visit the Access 2 Card Program website to learn more.

We will update this page as we make improvements.