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

Wednesday to Sunday – 10 am to 5 pm
Monday to Tuesday - closed

*Please note that the museum will be closed on December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Day).

Admission

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

A Very Retro Christmas

Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, December 14 from 10 am to 4 pm
Cost: Family - $20.12 (two adults and accompanying children under 18); Pair - $12.55; Single - $7.59.

Kids and their families are invited to hop in a time machine and celebrate the holidays with retro 1970s, 80s, and 90s flair. Share in the nostalgic fun and connect across generations with vintage toys and games, throwback-inspired crafts, a themed scavenger hunt, and more! Best suited for families with children ages 6 to 12. Drop-in program; admission is paid at the door.

Bilingual storytelling (with Le Pére Garneau) at 11 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm. 

Weekend Crafters

September 22, October 13, November 10 and December 22 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Admission by cash donation.

Play, tinker, and create at Nepean Museum’s MakerStudio! Families are invited to get crafty with drop-in activities inspired by local history. We’re switching up the craft and themed scavenger hunt at each session to explore the permanent exhibition from new perspectives!

September 22 – Finger knitting
October 13 – Printmaking with Lego
November 10 – Stamping metal keychains
December 22 - Mason jar snow globe

Weekend Crafters is also offered at Fairfields Heritage House (3080 Richmond Road): September 29, October 20 and November 17.

Notes:

• This is a drop-in style program; families are welcome to join the activities at any time during the advertised hours. Please note that the craft activity can only be offered as long as supplies last.
• Weekend Crafters is best suited to families with children ages 6 to 12. However, younger children may be able to enjoy the activities with the assistance of an adult or older sibling.
• The primary language of delivery for this program is English. Any printed materials will be provided in both official languages (English/French).

You Can’t Do That at the Museum

February 1, 8 and 15 from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Ages 6 to 9.
Cost: $12.66 per child. Advance registration is required.

It’s time to get creative, silly, and a little bit messy at Nepean Museum! We’ve been inspired by the keep-you-on-your-toes sketch show format, and rule bending attitude, of the CJOH-TV classic “You Can’t Do That On Television”. Travel through the decades and see your community through the lens of a different theme each week with a variety of fun, hands-on activities exploring the museum’s exhibition and artefact collection.

Themes:
February 1 – Slime
February 8 – Music & audio
February 15 – Secret codes

Notes:

• This program is delivered in English.
• Please dress your child in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
• Please pack a peanut-free snack and water.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.

Tales of the Magical Museum

Saturdays, March 1 to March 29 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Ages 12 to 14. 
Cost: $30.23 per child. Advance registration is required.

Discover the magic of Nepean Museum in this collaborative storytelling adventure inspired by games like Dungeons & Dragons. Using the museum’s exhibitions and artefact collection, create a character with special abilities influenced by heritage trades, and cross paths with figures from Ottawa’s history as you help decide where the story will take you next.

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

Notes:

• This program is delivered in English.
• Please pack a peanut-free snack and water.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.

Craftspace

March 1, March 8, March 15, March 22 from 11 am to 12 pm
Ages 3 to 5.
$7.08 per child. Advance registration required.

Get creative and engage with the museum’s collection through play! Each week we’ll complete a craft or artmaking activity inspired by a unique object with a heritage theme.

Themes:
March 1 – Sidewalk chalk quilt
March 8 – DIY toy
March 15 – Natural inks & dyes
March 22 – Neighbourhood collage

Notes:

• This program is delivered in English.
• Parental/guardian supervision is required (no additional cost for adult accompanying the participating child).
• Please dress your child in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
• Please pack a peanut-free snack and water.
• Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
• If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca. Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.

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.