Museum & Archives

Arts, Culture & Heritage

Events at the Museum

Lower Level

On Saturday, July 10th, 2010 British Columbia's first Children's Museum at the Kamloops Museum and Archives celebrated their grand opening, entertaining well over 600 visitors.

The Children's Museum, located downstairs at the Kamloops Museum & Archives, includes interactive displays, such as a dress-up area and puppet theatre, as well as a space-station-themed reading area and steamship station. There is also a water table, games to play and models to make, ensuring there's something for kids of all ages.

"I can guarantee the results are well worth the wait. Kamloops now has one of the best museums in the province"

The Grand Opening also included the official opening of the Secwepmec and History of Kamloops exhibits.

"Kamloops has been waiting a long time for the renovation work on the new history galleries and the children's museum to be completed. I am thrilled the moment has finally arrived. I can guarantee the results are well worth the wait. Kamloops now has one of the best museums in the province," said Elisabeth Duckworth, Museum Supervisor.

Celebrations took place from 8:00 am to noon with an official cake cutting at 10:30 am.

Second Avenue was closed between Seymour Street and St. Paul Street for the festivities. The Kamloops Vintage Car Club had its collection of cars on display with live music and entertainment on the street. The main stage kept things going with live performances by local artists Margit Bull and AJ Ellsay, along with a puppet show and a "Jumping Through Hoops" performance. For the kids there was face painting, Kamloops Children's Museum tattoos and an appearance by Lolli-Pop the Clown went over very well!

The Downtown Farmers' Market and Artisans' Square were nearby attractions, located just around the corner, with fun for the whole family every Saturday morning. If you haven't had a chance to visit the Children's Museum, make plans to - it's a perfect family event.

Second Floor

Once Upon A Time...
Extended
Experience life in Medieval Europe from 1000 to 1500 AD in this new temporary exhibit on loan from The Bruce County Museum.

This family friendly exhibit features aspects of medieval life including models of cathedrals, the daily life of monks in monasteries, medieval architecture, armour, knights, the feudal system, games and the crusades.

Detailed models of cathedrals, a peasant's home, a manor house, catapults, sundials and much more represent an accurate and realistic depiction of how people lived in Europe over 500 years ago.

Mary Balf Archives
Open Tuesday to Friday, 1:15 pm-4 pm.

From fur trade journals to thousands of historical images of Kamloops, the Archives houses a wealth of information available to researchers.

Third Floor

BC Fly Fishing Gallery
Permanent Exhibit Fly Fishing Exhibit
When you hear the names Bill Nation, Tommy Brayshaw and Roderick Haig-Brown what comes to mind? Give yourself points if you connect these names with British Columbia and Kamloops' fly fishing. These three men have inspired thousands to take the sport and brought our province and Kamloops to world prominence as a fly fishing mecca with their award winning writing, artwork, and guiding.

The new BC Fly Fishing Gallery at the Kamloops Museum and Archives examines local fishing spots such as Paul Lake and displays the rods, reels and other equipment used by fly fishers. Rare equipment and materials used by Tommy Brayshaw and Bill Nation are on display as well.

Mineralogy
A wide variety of rocks and minerals are on display in the new mineralogy cave display at the museum. Information on the history of mineralogy, mineral classification and how rocks and minerals are formed complement the display.

Rocks collected from around the world demonstrate the variety of beauty of crystal formation and mineral deposits. A number of the rocks on display are examples of local crystals and minerals. All rocks and minerals on display were donated to the Museum by Sid and Rhona Baker during their travels collecting different specimens from around the globe.

Shuswap Secwepemc/Shuswap
The gallery features the tools, artwork and basketry of the Secwepemc people, illuminating a way of life that has existed for thousands of years.

The temporary Secwepemc display will be moving into a renovated and larger permanent display area on the Museum's third floor by June 2010. The new space will feature more information on the Secwepemc people's culture, lifestyle, art and history up to the present.

Cougar Taxidermy
The museum has a large collection of taxidermy specimens that showcase the wildlife of the BC interior. T.S. Keyes, an early Kamloops taxidermist, donated much of his work to the museum when he retired in the 1950's. Currently on display are a collection of owls and a large cougar.

Museum Hours
Open Year Round
Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Open late on Thursdays until 7:30 p.m.
Closed on Statutory Holidays

Admission is by recommended donation
$3.00 - adults, $1.00 - 18 and under.

Logo Contact
Kamloops Museum & Archives
207 Seymour Street
Kamloops, BC V2C 2E7
ph (250) 828-3576
fax (250) 828-3760
email museum@kamloops.ca

Note: All correspondence is entered into our system, and will be dealt with in due process. Please allow several working days for a response. Thank you.