Hamilton, Ontario is a city rich in history and culture, with many museums and galleries to explore. Whether you are interested in local history, science, art, or industry, there is a museum in Hamilton that will pique your interest. Here are some of the top museums in the city:
- Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum: The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is home to one of the largest collections of military aircraft in Canada. The museum’s collection includes planes from World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum, watch aircraft restoration in progress, or even take a flight in a vintage plane.
- Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology: The Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology is housed in a historic 1859 steam-powered waterworks building. The museum features interactive exhibits that explore the history of steam power and its impact on industry and society. Visitors can tour the museum’s restored 70-ton steam engines and see how they powered Hamilton’s water supply in the 19th century.
- Dundurn Castle: Dundurn Castle is a historic mansion built in the 1830s by Sir Allan Napier MacNab, a prominent Canadian politician and businessman. The castle is now a museum that showcases the life and times of the MacNab family and offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Canada’s elite in the mid-19th century. Visitors can tour the castle’s grand rooms, explore the lush gardens, and learn about the castle’s role in Canadian history.
- Art Gallery of Hamilton: The Art Gallery of Hamilton is the city’s largest art museum, with a collection of over 10,000 works of art. The museum features both Canadian and international art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. The Art Gallery of Hamilton also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as public programs and events.
- Whitehern Historic House & Garden: Whitehern is a 19th-century historic house and garden located in downtown Hamilton. The house was home to three generations of the McQuesten family, a prominent Hamilton family involved in politics, business, and philanthropy. The house has been restored to its original Victorian-era décor and features period furniture, clothing, and artwork. Visitors can tour the house and explore the surrounding gardens, which have been maintained in the style of an early 20th-century garden.
- Workers Arts & Heritage Centre: The Workers Arts & Heritage Centre is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of working people in Hamilton and beyond. The museum features exhibits on the city’s labour history, as well as contemporary art that explores issues related to work, labour, and social justice. The Workers Arts & Heritage Centre also hosts public events and educational programs that explore the intersection of art and labour.
- Hamilton Children’s Museum: The Hamilton Children’s Museum is a fun and educational museum designed specifically for children. The museum features interactive exhibits that encourage children to explore, learn, and play. Exhibits include a replica of a 1920s Hamilton streetcar, a miniature farm, and a play kitchen. The Hamilton Children’s Museum also hosts a variety of special events and programs throughout the year.
- Battlefield House Museum & Park: The Battlefield House Museum & Park is dedicated to preserving the history of the War of 1812 and the role that the city of Hamilton played in the conflict. The museum is located on the site of the Battle of Stoney Creek, one of the most significant battles of the war. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts from the war and a replica of a historic home. The park surrounding the museum features hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as reenactments and special events throughout the year.