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Museum Collections |
At the core of the Museum lie its collections of objects of historical or cultural significance, which help define the national heritage. These collections, together with research undertaken by the Museum's curators, are a vital asset for learning more about Canada. With all its collections consolidated at the Parc Laurier site in Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of Civilization now houses 3.75 million artifacts. These range from a grain of rice engraved with Canada's map and national emblem to a 7,000 kg plaster mould of the Spirit of Haida Gwaii sculpture.
The Research and Collections Branch undertakes collections management and collections development activities. It ensures that appropriate collections management support is given to the exhibition programmes and to electronic outreach. It also manages the approval process, transport, and legal transactions for the collections development activity.
Collections and research are grouped under four main disciplines, with additional special collections.
Archaeology
The Archaeological Survey of Canada is the department responsible for the collection of materials evidencing Canada's pre-history, from the last ice age to the arrival of Europeans in North America. Most of these materials have been gathered by archaeological field-work, primarily on federal land in the provinces and territories.
Ethnology
The Canadian Ethnology Service is the department responsible for the collection of materials representing Canadian Indian, Inuit and Métis cultures. This collection developed out of the work of Geological Survey of Canada investigators in the 19th century. In recent decades it has expanded to include an extensive and important collection of contemporary Native art.
Folk
culture
Cultural Studies is the division responsible for the collection of materials reflecting folklife and multicultural aspects of Canada. Artifacts originate from all regions of the country, as well as from cultural groups who have migrated to Canada. The collections demonstrate the artistry, ingenuity and skills of Canadians, whether hobbyists or artists.
History
The History Division is the department responsible for the collection of materials illustrating the heritage of everyday Canadian life. The collections represent all regions of Canada and all periods from the seventeenth century to the present day. They highlight Canadian themes of national interest.
Living
history
The creation of a Living History collection is a relatively recent initiative by the Museum. It includes a mixture of original artifacts and reproductions, many of which are actively used to support various museum programmes - to demonstrate how the objects would have been used in the past.
Canadian
Children's Museum
The Canadian Children's Museum has a permanent collection of 10,000 artifacts, props and hands-on items, for use in its exhibitions and programmes. In addition, it has access to the world-class collections of the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Canadian Postal
Museum
The Canadian Postal Museum is the only museum in Canada dedicated to preserving the heritage of Canadian postal communication and objects representative of the international postal heritage. The collection covers ancient and modern history, science and technology, philately, fine art, architecture, folk art, and the decorative arts.
Library and
Archives
The Library and Archives are responsible for a collection of published and unpublished materials including books, journals, photographs and documents. The collection, which dates back to the 1800s, has been identified as a national resource in anthropology by the National Library of Canada.
View the artifact collections in the Virtual Collections Storage space
or in the Treasures Gallery
