Dalnavert Museum & Visitors’ Centre

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News | Location | Hours | Admission | Programs | Room Rental | Weddings | Gift Shop | History | Volunteers

The objective of Dalnavert Museum, a designated National Historic Site of Canada, is to foster an appreciation and an understanding of the late Victorian era in Winnipeg, through the preservation, exhibition and interpretation of the building and the museum’s collection.

Dalnavert is one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Revival architecture. It is the restored 1895 home of Sir Hugh John Macdonald, lawyer, Premier of Manitoba in 1900, later Police Magistrate for Winnipeg, and son of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. A chronology of the house is available here. Like similar well-to-do family homes of the period, Dalnavert is opulently decorated and full of treasured objects.

Dalnavert is owned and operated by the Manitoba Historical Society, with the oversight of a Management Committee. The Museum is open throughout the year. A guided tour, provided by volunteers and MHS staff, provide a focus on Winnipeg’s early cultural and social life. During the winter there are many activities scheduled.

The award-winning Dalnavert Visitors’ Centre, designed by Winnipeg architect Wins Bridgman and constructed in 2005, lies serenely around the Museum. With numerous energy and water conservation features, and built in part from recycled materials, the Visitors’ Centre hosts a fine gift shop, a museum reception centre, offices for museum staff, and the administrative office of the Manitoba Historical Society. A room is available for meetings of up to 75 people.

Dalnavert is a popular tourist destination open for visits throughout the year. In December let your senses experience moments of a Victorian Christmas and perhaps rekindle memories of long ago. In the summer the garden plantings and green lawns create a pleasant oasis in the midst of downtown Winnipeg.

There is a popular school program especially designed for children. Dalnavert also has a children’s Birthday Party Program with a couple of fun party options, that are available year round.

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Museum Location

Dalnavert is located in downtown Winnipeg at 61 Carlton Street (south of Broadway). It is situated one and one-half blocks south of the Winnipeg Convention Centre, three blocks east of the Manitoba Legislative Building, and six blocks west of The Forks.

Free parking is available at the north side of the museum.

Click here for information on contacting the staff of Dalnavert Museum.

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Hours of Operation

Mondays & Tuesdays	closed
Wednesdays - Fridays	10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturdays	11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sundays	noon to 4:00 PM

After Labour Day, hours for Wednesday to Friday change to 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM; weekend hours remain the same.

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Admission

Adults	$5
Senior Citizens (65+)	$4
Youths (5 to 17)	$3
Family (up to 2 adults and 3 children)	$12
School / group tours	$2 per person
Birthday parties	$9.50 per child
Bus tours	Above rates unless previously negotiated; bus driver and tour rep complimentary

All prices include GST. The admission fee includes a guided tour.

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Room Rentals

The W. Steward Martin Auditorium is available for meetings of up to 75 people at the following rates:

Half-day	$125
Full-day	$175
Evenings	$25 per hour (minimum 3 hours)

The fully renovated attic in Dalnavert Museum is also available for rental by groups of up to 40 people for $75 per day.

Coffee/tea service and catering services will be charged to the client, at fees to be established based on specific requirements. Clients also have the option of making their own catering arrangements.

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Wedding Photographs

Photographs are permitted in interior or exterior locations for a fee of $100 per hour. Please contact the Museum to make arrangements.

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Dalnavert Gift Shop

Dalnavert’s Gift Shop caters to the discriminating shopper. In addition to a wide range of speciality items, you will also find books by local authors and the publications of the Manitoba Historical Society.

Page revised: 5 September 2009