Tenth anniversary!
Ten years ago today, physical distancing was the last thing on our minds as the Museum reopened its doors to a throng of visitors eager to see our new exhibitions and renovated heritage building.
While the Museum is presently closed, we celebrate the UN International Day for Biological Diversity and its 2020 theme: "Our solutions are in nature". As always, we invite you to take advantage of our many online resources so you can engage with nature right from your home. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular posts.
Reflecting on Renewal
The rebirth of the Canadian Museum of Nature
Ten years have passed since the completion of the renovated Victoria Memorial Museum Building, the public face of the Canadian Museum of Nature. Follow the transformation, see a modern glass tower emerge, and enjoy interviews with architects, constructors, exhibit developers and Museum staff in this feature-length documentary.
14.6 million!
Our record of Canada's biodiversity
May 22 marks the International Day for Biological Diversity. For well over a century, scientists at the Canadian Museum of Nature have been documenting Canada's biodiversity, amassing a collection over the years of 14.6 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils and minerals. This critical evidence of biodiversity over time is fundamental to answering questions about conservation, evolution, endangered and invasive species, climate change, habitat loss, and more. As such, the Museum literally has an important role in “saving the world” through its collections to inform a better natural future for all.
Nature Scoop
Five misconceptions about bees
World Bee Day (May 20) was designated by the UN to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development. Learn some interesting facts from our bee researcher about these often misunderstood, yet vital, insects.
Honour someone special
Make a dedication on an engraved paver
The past few months have drawn attention to stories of people going above and beyond, bringing joy and assistance to those around them. Do you have someone in your life who you would like to honour through a dedication – maybe a parent or everyday heroes in the community? Honour them with a special message engraved on a Steps Across Canada paver.
Fauna at your fingertips
Natural History Notebooks
With fascinating facts, photos and beautiful illustrations of more than 250 animal species, the "Natural History Notebooks" have long been a highly-popular feature of the Museum's web site, nature.ca. Above is an illustration in the "Notebooks" of muskox (Ovibos moschatus), an animal that has existed in Canada's Arctic for thousands of years. In Inuktitut it is called "omingmak" (the bearded one).
A rare species
Hickorynut Mussel
The Hickorynut Mussel (Obovaria olivaria) is a native, freshwater mussel species. In Canada this endangered mollusc occurs in only seven rivers, including the Ottawa River and the St. Lawrence River between Montréal and Quebec City. The Museum's earliest sample of the Hickorynut was collected in 1885 by geologist Dr. Henry Ami in a small tributary of the Ottawa River called Green's Creek.
