6 Must-See Museum Exhibits in Halifax

Fortress Halifax: A City Shaped by Conflict explores Halifax’s history through Mi’kmaw, Acadian, African Nova Scotian, French, and British perspectives, alongside the stories of soldiers and war refugees. 

Visitors are welcomed by artwork from Leonard Paul that interprets Kjipuktuk (Halifax) before colonization. Explore the One Land, Four Peoples touch table to reveal different layers of the region’s history through Mi’kmaw, Acadian, French, and British perspectives. Interactive screens bring to life first-person perspectives from the people who shaped Halifax. 

Along the way, you’ll learn about Mi’kmaw heritage, the evolution of Halifax’s Citadels, the city’s role in global conflicts, and the contributions of the Jamaican Maroons, who were vital in building the third Citadel’s defences. 

The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia’s exhibit on William Hall celebrates his extraordinary strength and service. He was the first Black person, the first Nova Scotian, and the third Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross. Learn about his time in Britain’s Royal Navy and his life in Nova Scotia through photographs, illustrations, and artifacts. 

Pjila’si, an immersive exhibit created in partnership with the Mi’kmaw Advisory Group, celebrates Mi’kmaw culture through stories, artifacts, and interactive experiences. Learn about Mi’kma’ki, traditional territory boundaries, the Grand Council, trade, and medicine while viewing Mi’kmaw quillwork, canoes, basketry, and cultural belongings recovered from L’nu sites along the Shubenacadie River. 

Throughout the exhibit, hear Mi’kmaw voices sharing stories through overhead sound cones and interactive videos. Practice pronouncing Mi’kmaw words through an interactive language display, listen to stories of Kluskap and the Mi’kmaw Creation Story, and explore an interactive map highlighting the different regions of Mi’kma’ki. 

Explore the story of one of Nova Scotia’s most celebrated folk artists at the Maud Lewis display. Living with rheumatoid arthritis, Lewis painted colourful scenes of rural Nova Scotia that have become some of Canada’s most recognizable works of folk art. 

See the tiny home she lived in for 30 years, which she transformed into both a studio and canvas, along with 27 original paintings displayed throughout the gallery. 

See artifacts from the Titanic and explore the experiences of its passengers through displays on their social classes, cabin accommodations, and personal keepsakes. While preparing for Titanic (1997), James Cameron and members of the film’s research team visited the museum’s wreckwood collection. Today, the museum holds more than 50 Titanic-related artifacts, including historic photographs, personal effects, and pieces of wreckwood. 

The Canadian Immigration Story takes guests on a journey through Canada’s immigration history, exploring how war, economic opportunity, and changing policies brought people to the country. Hear first-person accounts from newcomers who found belonging in Canada, people who were excluded, and refugees, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, Black refugees from the War of 1812, Ugandan Asian refugees fleeing Idi Amin, and people from the Pulau Bidong Refugee Camp. 

Before you leave, read luggage tags written by visitors from around the world who share their immigration stories, then add your own for future guests to discover.