Nepean Museum

The Nepean Museum is a space where kids and families can learn and explore together. The exhibition gallery showcases Nepean’s history through a series of changing exhibits. With many fun hands-on events, programs and exhibitions, you’ll find lots to discover together.

16 Rowley Avenue
Nepean, Ontario, K2G 1L9
 

Tel: (613) 580-9638
Email: museums@ottawa.ca
Facebook: @NepeanMuseum
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Hours of operation

Closed: December 19 through January 3.

Winter Hours
Beginning January 4, 2023:
Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

Closed: Friday, April 7 (Good Friday).

Book your visit online.

Admission

Admission is by donation. Special pricing may apply for programs and events.

History Hackers

Saturdays: February 11, February 18, February 25 and March 4.
10:30 am to noon.
Ages: 6 to 9.
Cost: $12 per child. Advance registration is required.

History Hackers is back! Explore how Nepean’s material past transformed over time through science, technology, engineering, art, and math (S.T.E.A.M.). Discover a different theme each week and get inspired by unique objects from the museum’s collection. 

Register online at Register Ottawa. Search “Nepean Museum” or by using the activity numbers listed below.  Registration closes 24 hours before the session’s scheduled start time.

Saturday, February 11 – What is a map? (45450)

Re-create and re-imagine a map from your own perspective while learning the history of map making and the impact mapping had on Indigenous peoples.

Saturday, February 18 – Building a homestead (45451)

Design and create a new tool using heritage objects from our learning collection as your inspiration. 

Saturday, February 25 – Make your own toy (45452)

Play with heritage toys from our learning collection and build an animated toy of your own using recycled materials.

Saturday, March 4 – Secret codes (45454)

Make invisible ink and learn to send messages in Morse code.

Notes:

• Please pack a peanut-free snack and water for your child.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• Museum staff will assist participants with any assembly including sewing, hot glue, etc., and safety glasses will be worn. Most sessions will include some use of electronics (e.g. circuits, iPad, iPhone, etc.). Some electronic equipment may produce buzzing noises or small flashing lights. A community room will be available as a quiet zone if a break from noises or activities is needed.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact the museum by phone at 613-580-9638 or by email at museums@ottawa.ca Additional information about accessibility can be found on the museum web page.

Tales of the Magical Museum

Group 1: Fridays - March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Group 2: Saturdays – March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1 from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Ages 9 to 12.
Cost: $28.80 per child.
Advance registration is required.

Tales of the Magical Museum returns with a brand new quest! Discover the magic of Nepean Museum in this five-part collaborative storytelling adventure inspired by games like Dungeons & Dragons. Along the way participants will meet colourful characters, collect objects and solve compelling mysteries pulled from local history. 

This program will feature a continuous narrative that will be explored over the five-part series. Registration is for the complete series. No prior gameplay experience is needed to join the fun! 

Registration:

Register online at Register Ottawa. Search “Nepean Museum” or use the activity numbers listed below. Please register for either Group 1 or Group 2; both groups will follow similar narratives.

Group 1 (Fridays) - 52529
Group 2 (Saturdays) - 52531

Notes:

• Please pack a peanut-free snack and water for your child.
• There will be no special lighting effects used during gameplay.
• There may be music playing intermittently throughout gameplay (fiddle/concertina music). There will be minimal use of sound effects such as wagon and bird noises. These are not integral to the gameplay and can be removed if necessary.
• There will be contained scented waxes, spices, and herbs that participants will be invited to waft towards them. Please be aware that these substances may contain garlic, dairy (cheese), and (unscented) soap. Participation in this element of the gameplay is optional.
• Players will be invited to physically explore the Museum space; participation in this element of the gameplay is optional.
• A community room will be available as a quiet zone if a break from noises or activities is needed.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact the museum by phone at 613-580-9638 or by email at museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information about accessibility can be found on the museum web page.

Virtual Exhibition - Cabinet of Curiosities 

Cabinets of curiosities displayed the strange and the scientific, the weird and the wonderful. Our team has gone through our collections and picked out the artefacts that appeal most to them to create our very own cabinet of curiosities. You can enjoy this exhibition from the comfort of your own home while learning the history of each artefact and why it stood out to our staff. Enter Cabinet of Curiosities here!

Permanent exhibition - Rural Roots and City Streets 

Nepean: Rural Roots and City Streets explores this essential piece of Ottawa’s history. Using dozens of photos, artefacts, and interactive elements, this new, permanent exhibition spans the full history of Nepean from its use by Algonguin peoples from time immemorial, up until Nepean’s amalgamation with Ottawa at the turn of the 21st Century.

The City of Ottawa Museums are committed to offering residents meaningful and rewarding volunteer experiences.

Heritage volunteers play an invaluable role in preserving our unique heritage and in providing museum visitors of all ages with opportunities to appreciate our shared story.

Thank you to all our volunteer team members for their continued support.

The museums are not currently accepting new volunteers. If you have any questions about the volunteer program or would like to be notified when volunteering resumes, please contact museums@ottawa.ca.

For more information, please contact our Customer Service Booking Clerk. Call 613-580-9638 or email museums@ottawa.ca.

Work with us to shape your experience. Contact the museum before your visit to discuss your needs. Information about accessibility at the facility, programs, and services is available upon request.

The accessibility features of this facility are detailed below. While the City of Ottawa is constantly working to improve access, please note that not all parts of every facility are necessarily 'accessible for all' as facilities were built to meet accessibility standards of their time.

Parking

• 3 designated parking spaces
• Accessible path of travel from the parking lot to entrance
• 20 metres from parking space to the door

Entrance/Exit

• 2 accessible entrances
• Entrances marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility
• Ramp
• Wide door for wheelchair passage
• Automatic door opener
• Direct access to the main floor, lobby, elevator

Interior 

• All public spaces on accessible path of travel
• Ramps or elevators to all levels
• Accessible seating available

Reception desks

• Floor area for manoeuvring a wheelchair
• Swipe access from seated position

Signage

• Large lettering

Washrooms

• Located on lower level
• Automatic door opener
• Large stalls to allow transfers
• Universal (gender-neutral)

Elevator/Lift

• Access to all floors
• One-wheelchair lift
• Located between the two entrances

Telephone

• Volume control
• Accessible path

Museums/Galleries/Archives

• All exhibition spaces are accessible
• Captioned videos
• Wheelchair accessible
• Good visibility for patrons in wheelchairs
• Interpretative labels/panels in large font 

Learn more about Inclusive Recreation and accessible services.