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Museums & Heritage Sites in Nanaimo

Discover Art Museums and Heritage Sites in Nanaimo

Nanaimo, a vibrant city located on Vancouver Island, is rich in history and culture, making it an ideal destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Known for its picturesque waterfront and thriving arts community, Nanaimo offers a wide range of museums and heritage sites that showcase its past while celebrating its artistic spirit.

The Nanaimo Museum stands as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural heritage. With exhibits that cover everything from the city’s Indigenous roots to its development as a mining town, the museum provides a comprehensive look at Nanaimo’s past. The museum’s collection includes historical artifacts, archival photographs, and interactive displays that bring the city’s story to life. For art lovers, the Nanaimo Art Gallery offers a dynamic collection of contemporary art, featuring local and regional artists who reflect the unique beauty of the surrounding area. Additionally, the Harbourfront Walkway is home to various public art pieces and sculptures, providing an outdoor gallery experience along the city’s stunning waterfront. With its rich mix of museums, galleries, and historical sites, Nanaimo offers a captivating exploration of art and heritage.

Nanaimo is situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. One of the main things to do in downtown Nanaimo is a visit to the Nanaimo Museum, located in downtown on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw Nation. The museum offers a variety of critically acclaimed exhibits including the ones being brought from the Canadian History Museum, the National Gallery and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Other art attractions include the Nanaimo Ceramic Arts - Studio & Gallery which showcases ceramics, paintings, jewelry and fibre arts. The studio also offers 1-2 day workshops for all ages. Apart from museums, the city also has the Port Theatre, which is an 800-seat theatre located downtown. Additionally, the city also hosts the annual Jazz Festival that showcases many local artists Beautiful scenery and a rich local culture make downtown Nanaimo a great destination for art enthusiasts. 

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Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo
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The Nanaimo Museum is located in downtown Nanaimo on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. It is a dynamic community facility offering diverse interpretive programming encouraging visitors to “Make a Discovery” while exploring the history and heritage of our area. The  museum entered a new era in 2008. Nanaimo’s history was given new life with the construction of Read more...

Upcoming Community Events

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After Wrappers | Nanaimo Art Gallery

Nanaimo Art Gallery
Nanaimo
Date:
May 3, 2025
-
July 13, 2025
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After Wrappers  Artists: Big Rock Candy Mountain May 3rd to July 13th, 2025 Big Rock Candy Mountain is an artist-run flavor incubator and taste-making think-tank between Hannah Jickling, Reed H. Reed, a variety of guest artists, and elementary school students. “The artworks in this exhibition are the result of dynamic collaborations between artists and elementary school students. What a great Read more...
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Dinosaurs of BC | Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo
Date:
June 7, 2025
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September 6, 2025
New
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Dig into prehistoric British Columbia and get up close and personal with “Buster”, the Iron Lizard of the Sustut River, and the other dinosaurs that once roamed the province’s highest peaks, densest forests and most remote river basins. Through research done by the Royal BC Museum’s palaeontology team, we’re learning just how many ancient creatures once called these lands home. Read more...
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Brutalist Daydream; a new collection by Sandy Harquail | Nanaimo Ceramic Arts

Nanaimo Ceramic Arts – Studio & Gallery
Nanaimo
Date:
August 16, 2025
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August 30, 2025
New
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Brutalist Daydream, a new collection of work by ceramist Sandy Harquail Opening reception Aug 16th 6-8pm, meet the artist, light refreshments and be the first to shop the collection Show runs until Aug 30th, Gallery is open 11 AM – 5 PM, Tuesday to Saturday Sandy’s new work explores the relationship between concrete and clay, inspired by brutalist architecture. She Read more...
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Nanaimo International Jazz Festival (NIJFA)

Nanaimo International Jazz Festival (NIJFA)
Nanaimo
Date:
September 12, 2025
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September 14, 2025
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Organized by the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association, this annual event promises a vibrant celebration of jazz, with a rich lineup of performances and activities. The heart of this year’s festival will be on the Wesley Street Stage in the historic Old City Quarter, where a series of free performances will create an inviting and festive atmosphere. These performances are an excellent opportunity for the community and visitors alike Read more...
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Grow Nanaimo | Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo
Date:
September 27, 2025
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September 6, 2026
New
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Farming and food security are important topics of conversations today, and in the past. Grow Nanaimo features stories of complex relationships with the land, culturally diverse farmers, and Five Acres, a planned agricultural community now known as Harewood. Take a seat in the outhouse interactive and be privy to the secrets of the night soil scavengers and check out the Read more...
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Nanaimo Art Walk

Nanaimo Art Walk
Nanaimo
Date:
November 22, 2025
-
November 23, 2025
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Since 1999, the Downtown Nanaimo Artwalk has been an exciting cultural event for visual artists to display works of art for sale. This is a self-guided tour through artists studios and host locations, featuring a great variety of art with something for everybody’s budget. Read more...
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