Early closure
Please note that on Thursday 11 June 2026, the Museum of Natural History will close early at 3:00 pm.
Gus’s daily walk will begin at 2:00 pm for any visitors who would like to join him and our staff for a stroll.
Pjila'si gallery.

Visit

Hours

Open daily 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Holiday Hours

 

Admissions

Adult$10
Senior (Age 65+)$9
Youth (Age 6 - 17)$6
Child (Age 5 and under)Free
Student (Age 18+ with valid Student ID Card)$8
Family A (2 adults and their children 17 and under)$25
Family B (1 adult and their children 17 and under)$18

Annual Pass Fees

Museum of Natural History Annual Adult Pass$17.80
Museum of Natural History Annual Family Pass (2 adults and their children 17 and under)$42.15

Canada Strong Pass

June 19 to September 7

We are pleased to participate in the Canada Strong Pass this summer. From June 19 to September 7, the following special admission rates apply.

  • Free admission for those 17 and under
  • 50% discount on admission for those 18 to 24 years old

 

Nova Scotia Museum Annual Pass

Adult Pass: $46.45 - Applies to individuals 18 years and older.

Family Pass: $91.85 - Applies to 2 adults and their children 17 years and under.

Location and Parking

1747 Summer Street,
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Parking at the Museum

On-site parking is available in our public "pay and display" lot, managed by Indigo Parking. Because of our central location, the lot is popular with both museum visitors and those exploring the area, so we recommend arriving a few minutes early to secure a spot.

  • Rate: $3.00 per hour
  • Payment: The machine accepts coins and credit cards. You can also pay via the Indigo Neo app.
  • Note: Please have your license plate number ready, as you will need to enter it to complete your transaction.

Important Notice for Game Days

Summer Street is home to the Museum of Natural History, the Wanderers Grounds, and the Halifax Public Gardens.

On days when the Halifax Wanderers or Halifax Tides play at the Wanderers Grounds, the small parking lot next to the Museum closes to the public 2.5 hours before kick-off.

  • Example: If the game starts at 2:00pm, the lot closes at 11:30am.

Please visit the team websites for full game schedules.

Alternative Parking & Transportation

If you are visiting on a game day, we recommend the following:

  • Parking: Use the parkade north of the Museum, street parking, or the Garrison Grounds lots near Citadel Hill. Parking attendants will be on-site to assist with traffic flow.
  • Transit/Active: Consider taking Halifax Transit or walking/cycling to the area to avoid congestion.
Gus the gopher tortoise.

Gus the Gopher Tortoise

Meet Gus, the Museum of Natural History’s 103-year-old Gopher Tortoise. Gus was born and raised in Florida, living at the Ross Allen Reptile Institute in Silver Springs. In 1942, Don Crowdis, Director of the Nova Scotia Provincial Museum, purchased Gus for five dollars.  

Learn about Gus

a basket of soft toys, all tortoise.

Museum Shop

The Museum of Natural History Gift Shop offers a wide selection of unique products including local & Canadian-made items, exhibit-inspired gifts, stuffed animals, jewellery, books, craft kits, treats and so much more. Stop by the shop to see our full selection, you’re sure to find something new and exciting each visit! 

Contact the Gift Shop at (902) 424-6548.

Accessibility

Although we still have much work to do to be fully accessible, we do offer the following and welcome you to the museum. We will update this page as we make improvements.

  • 2 designated accessible parking spaces, curb cuts from the parking lot
  • A ramp leads from the parking lot to the main entrance
  • There is a drop off spot on Summer St, directly in front of the museum.
  • Main door and lower level door (exit) are equipped with a power opener
  • Both stairs and an elevator provide access to lower level program rooms and the washrooms
  • Designated single-use, gender-neutral, washroom with a power door opener
  • All exhibits are on one level (although there is a steep interior ramp)
  • Seating in select locations throughout the exhibits
  • Spacious exhibits with wide pathways
  • Two wheelchairs available for visitor use (first come, first serve)
  • Sensory map of the galleries and social narrative available for download or at the admissions desk
  • Fire alarms include both auditory and visual signals
  • The Museum of Natural History is proud to be an Aira Access Partner.

ACCESS 2

The Museum of Natural History is a participating venue in the Easter Seal’s Canada Access 2 Card program that offers free admission for the companion of those visitors who require assistance while visiting the museum. Visit the Access 2 Card Program website to learn more.

GoHere® Washroom Access

The Museum of Natural History is a participating organization in the Crohn’s and Colitis GoHere® Washroom Access program to help individuals with Crohn’s and Colitis conditions access public bathroom facilities, to help plan their outings, take away potential stress and provide peace of mind. Learn more about the GoHere Washroom Access program.

We will update this page as we make improvements.

Rainbow Registered Logo

Rainbow Registered 

The Rainbow Registered Program recognizes market ready businesses and organizations that are receptive to 2SLGBTQI+ customers. The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) with Tourism HR Canada, have collaborated to initiate the Rainbow Accreditation Program for 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations in Canada. Being Rainbow Registered enables 2SLGBTQI+ customers to feel safe, welcomed, and accepted. 

The program is based on criteria that define the required standards of practice and are informed by National Guidelines. Accreditation demonstrates commitment and consistent effort in providing customer satisfaction through progressive policies and practices. 

Rainbow Registered 

Sensory Resources

If you or someone you know has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or sensory sensitivities, we would like to help you prepare for your visit to the Museum of Natural History.

Gallery map and Social Narrative

Download a gallery map or pick one up at the museum’s Admissions Desk. The map provides the layout of the museum and indicates areas that tend to be noisier and where you can sit down for a quiet rest.'

Download our Social Narrative to see photos and learn more about what you can see and do at the museum when you visit.

 

Sensory Friendly Sundays

Autism Nova Scotia and the Museum of Natural History presents Sensory Friendly Sundays at the Museum every Sunday. During this time, you can enjoy all the museum has to offer, plus reduced lighting, reduced sound, sensory maps and social narratives.

Prepared in Partnership with Autism NS

A family at the tide tank.

Group Visits

Plan a memorable group visit to the Museum of Natural History. We offer discounted rates for groups of all sizes, making it an affordable and enriching experience for schools, community organizations, and more.

More about Group Visits