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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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VIS Studio: Fall 2025 Art and Sculpture Classes

Joel A Prevost – Vancouver Island Sculpting Studio
Nanaimo
Date:
September 1, 2025
-
November 30, 2025
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Highlights (learn more / register): Click the blue link for more information. – Urban Sketching with John Hofman — Sun, Sept 21, 28 & Oct 5 | 1 – 4 pm – Garden of Eden — clay sculpting with Joël A. Prévost — Thu, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 7- 10 pm – The Eyes Exploration — Joël A. Prévost — Tue, Oct Read more...
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Upcoming Events | Tourism Nanaimo

Tourism Nanaimo
Nanaimo
Date:
October 1, 2025
-
May 29, 2026
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Embrace the eclectic energy of Nanaimo at our Bathtub Races, a thrilling tribute to our marine heritage, or get lost in the magic of our Lantern Festival, join the city in colour for our Pride Festival, Jazz fest and more. Every season brings something new and exciting, ensuring that no two visits to Nanaimo are ever the same. Here’re Upcoming Read more...
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Grow Nanaimo | Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo
Date:
November 8, 2025
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September 6, 2026
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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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