Magic at the Museum brings close-up magic to the historic parlour of Helmcken House for an enchanting evening of wonder. Experience the rare delight of parlour magic performed in an actual Victoria parlour - within one of British Columbia's oldest homes. 

Dave Morris, Andrew Brimstone and special guests perform sleight-of-hand, mentalism and more in an up-close, unforgettable setting. Discover the art of illusion where history and magic intertwine, creating moments of astonishment within walls that hold their own mysteries.

Join museum educators as they lead us through a Halloween tour of our handling collection and bust some myths about animals we connect with Halloween. Are bats really spooky? Do spiders creep you out? We all have different feelings about the animals we share our world with find out why we should have respect and appreciation for the fascinating animals of Halloween! Time for Q&A in this interactive live session.

Grades K-2

Join Royal the BC Museum human history collections manager for an exploration of photographs related to British Columbia. We’ll look at these photographs from BC Archives as primary sources, as evidence from the past, and learn how to examine and infer information from them. Bring your curiosity and your observational skills. 

Grades 4-7

Pre and post visit resources: https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/pathways/reading-photographs/?view=teach

Join a Royal BC Museum human history collections manager for an exploration of photographs related to British Columbia. We’ll look at these photographs from BC Archives as primary sources, as evidence from the past, and learn how to examine and infer information from them. Bring your curiosity and your observational skills.

Wanna reconnect? Tired of online dating? Nervous to put yourself out there? Join us for this exciting new series! With dating apps losing their spark, we're offering a refreshing alternative—an evening of low-pressure connections and inspiring conversations.

Colourful Business proves that business does not have to be boring. The third annual Colourful Business Expo displays the innovation and vitality of Victoria's Indigenous, Black, and immigrant entrepreneurs. Browse displays and listen to live music throughout the afternoon. 

Colourful Business is a project of the Kulea Culture Society, Royal BC Museum, Indigenous Prosperity Centre, BC Black History Awareness Society, REP Here in Canada, Victoria Foundation, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, the City of Victoria, and the Government of Canada.

Drop the needle, tune in and turn it up. Needle Drop is a collective vinyl listening series hosted in the gallery of Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change.

Each session features records spun by special guests, followed by open dialogue on the social and political movements that shaped - and were shaped by - the music. Whether it's protest anthems, underground grooves or revolutionary rhythms, we'll gather to listen deeply and talk boldy about the soundtracks of change.

Come to vibe, reflect and join the conversation.

Join us for an evening of personal community stories inspired by the powerful sounds and spaces that have shaped our lives. 

As part of The Story Collection series, storytellers will share stories of music venues that hold special meaning for them - from dive bars where unknown bands became legends, to concert halls where a single song changed everything, to basement clubs that became safe havens for entire communities. 

Mammals have different ways to survive the winter. Some save up food from the summer and have warm fuzzy coats to keep warm. Others migrate or hibernate. Join us as we investigate specimens in the Royal BC Museum collection and see what they do to stay safe and warm during the coldest time of the year. At the conclusion of the program, we will share a cozy winter story.

Grades K-3

Learn about the Ice Age and the Woolly Mammoths who lived there. Using images, video and objects we will learn about how Woolly Mammoths adapted to survive in the Ice Age. There will be opportunities for questions and interaction.

Grades 1-4

Pre and post visit resources: https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/playlist/meet-the-mammoth

Registration information coming soon!

The process of archiving, protecting and making government records accessible is an important way that citizens of democracies keep governments accountable. Join an archivist for an investigation into the importance of primary sources containing but not limited to voter lists and other government records. Examine who was included in the democratic processes in the past and who was missing? There will be time for Q&A in this live interactive program. 

Grades 4-7

Celebrate Black history month! Join a digital access specialist at BC Archives, for a peek inside the scrapbook of Selena Smith, a Black Canadian 19^th-century musician and teacher. We will explore the calling cards, musical programs, and letters that document Selena’s many accomplishments and use these primary sources to pull together the details of her life. Hone your detective skills to gain insights through primary sources into the life of someone who lived and died over 100 years ago!

Celebrate Black history month! Join a digital access specialist at BC Archives, for a peek inside the scrapbook of Selena Smith, a Black Canadian 19^th-century musician and teacher. We will explore the calling cards, musical programs, and letters that document Selena’s many accomplishments and use these primary sources to pull together the details of her life. Hone your detective skills to gain insights through primary sources into the life of someone who lived and died over 100 years ago!

Join a museum educator on an investigative journey through the natural history gallery as we explore some techniques that educators use to communicate science! Be prepared to use your observation skills and practice scientific illustration skills with one our talented exhibit designers!

Grades 4 to 7

Pre and post visit material: 

https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/pathways/drawing-nature/?view=look

In 1858, when gold was discovered in the Fraser River, what is now known as British Columbia became a destination for hopeful miners from around the world. For every gold seeker who rushed here, there were factors that drove them from their homelands and dreams that enticed to a new and foreign place. The impacts of the gold rush on British Columbia were large, and lasting.

Grades 4 to 5

Pre and post visit resources: https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/playlist/bcs-gold-rush/

Plants and animals have features (body parts) and behaviours that help them survive. These are called adaptations. Learn about some BC animals and the amazing ways they survive and thrive in our local environments through this visit to the natural history gallery.

Grades K to 3

Pre and post visit resources: https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/playlist/amazing-adaptations/

Registration information coming soon!

Explore the different ways dinosaurs used their bodies to survive in their habitats millions of years ago. Through the inspection of plant and dinosaur fossils, students will discover how dinosaurs found food and interacted with their environment. They’ll even learn how animals on earth now give us clues about how dinosaurs looked and behaved.

Grades K to 2