Manitoba Museum

Fourteen ants on the back of a human hand, getting ready to bite. The mound of the ant’s nest is in the background.

Closeup of two Formica obscuripes ants biting the finger of a willing participant. The ants are each just over a centimeter long, with reddish-brown heads and black bodies.

Taking pictures of live insects can be tricky, but our Collections Technician for Natural History has a great tip for getting ants to stay still… the “just let them bite you” method! Just make sure the ants are a stingless species first, like these Formica obscuripes ants.

The bison from the iconic diorama in the Manitoba Museum Welcome Gallery with the words “EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP” overlaid on top of them. A red block advertises 25% off All Memberships. On a blue bar along the top, text reads, “Enjoy epic fun for a whole year!”, and on a yellow bar at the bottom, text reads, “Sale ends January 4, 2026”.

Give the gift of adventure – for less! A Manitoba Museum Membership is the gift that keeps on giving, and until January 4, 2026 you can save 25%. It’s the perfect gift of endless adventure for you and your loved ones!

Gift a Membership today: https://ow.ly/Cxgo50XvZbS

Word graphic in red and white. Text on the left side reads, "Winter Auction / November 26 to December 10 / Fundraising in support of Manitoba Museum". On the right side is a promotional image for the production of Les Misérables, and the WOW! Hospitality Concepts Inc. logo.

Broadway Across Canada is bringing Les Misérables to Winnipeg’s Centennial Concert Hall. Bid in our online Winter Auction to win two coveted opening night tickets to this powerful musical, and a $150 gift certificate to any WOW! restaurant!

Make your bid: https://ow.ly/7yhS50XyOKH

YouTube video by Manitoba Museum In the Spotlight: RWB Costumes

We thought it was time these pieces came back into the spotlight!

In this video Cortney shows us some costumes from the @rwballet.bsky.social (RWB) Collection here at the Museum. These two beautiful pieces are from performances in the 1960s: youtube.com/shorts/Aw94j...

Exterior of the Manitoba Museum, with the Museum, Museum sign, and Planetarium dome in view. Overlaid text reads, "We're hiring! / Position: / Development Coordinator”.

We're hiring! If you're passionate about donor-centric service and ethical fundraising practices, this might be the job for you! The Development Coordinator is a key member of our Fund Development team.

Find full job details here: https://ow.ly/A6zm50XE3fy

#Hiring #WinnipegJobs #ApplyNow

A person looks at a starry night sky with binoculars.

As the last month of the year, December is a good time to look ahead at what’s coming for the next orbit. And, December also hosts the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids, which peak this weekend!

Read Planetarium Astronomer Scott Young's latest blog: https://ow.ly/GJVW50XCZzW

Word graphic for Pyjama Days @ the Manitoba Museum, with the event title on black and red plaid along the top. Below that is a photo of a child hugging a stuffed snowman toy. On a white background along the bottom, text reads, “Dec 20 – Jan 4 / *Closed December 24 & 25*”. A red circle in the lower right corner reads, “Buy your tickets online today!”.

Pyjama Days are back and cozier than ever! The weather outside might be frightful, but the Manitoba Museum is the place for a warm and cozy Winter Break. Get your comfiest PJs and cushiest slippers, and join us for family fun from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4.

Get your tickets early: https://ow.ly/QR5j50Xzce7

Word graphic in red and white. Text on the left side reads, "Winter Auction / November 26 to December 10 / Fundraising in support of Manitoba Museum". On the right side is a headshot of Dr. Randy Mooi, Curator of Zoology, and a photograph of Dr. Mooi installing equipment during field work.

Looking for a deeper dive into the nature and history held at the Manitoba Museum? Our Winter Auction is your chance to bid on exclusive access to our vaults, with tours led by Museum curators. Don’t miss this chance to get behind-the-scenes!

Make your bid: https://ow.ly/Wiw850XCZm3

Promotional graphic for the Manitoba Museum's Bead-A-Thon event on Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 10 am to 3 pm. Digital art in a floral beadwork-like pattern branches around the right side of the graphic.

Registration is now open for the Bead-A-Thon on January 4, 2026! Join us for a day with community to share, learn, and bead. Whether you’re an expert beader, a keen learner, or have never held a needle, all are welcome to share in the joy of beadwork.

Register today: https://ow.ly/6QNV50XE8Ao

A word graphic for The Museum Collection Illuminated. Below the exhibit title, text reads, "May 2025 to May 2026 / Explore extraordinary artifacts from the Museum vaults." On the left is a photograph of a cream-coloured, angular crystal with dark flecks. On the right is a photograph of a dark-coloured ancient pitcher with an image on it silhouetted in orange.

Have you wondered what else in the museum’s collection? “The Museum Collection Illuminated,” displays artifacts selected from our vaults for their unique qualities. Learn how and why we collect, and why museums are important cultural institutions.

Plan your visit today: https://ow.ly/kuLX50XByrB

We're honoured to be a part of the Consortium of four public institutions that the HBC Charter is being donated to. It will be shared in equal parts by the Manitoba Museum, the Archives of Manitoba, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Royal Ontario Museum.

The HBC Charter on display in a glass case. A wide piece of parchment, still rolled at the bottom with intricate designs in the margins and the wording of the charter written with flourishes through the body of the page.

The Manitoba Museum is honoured to take on a public custodian role in care of Hudson's Bay Company Royal Charter. Following the acceptance of an $18 million bid for the Hudson’s Bay Company Royal Charter, made jointly by the Weston family and David Thomson.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/hyZU50XCQu8

A child placing a coloured peg in a large, wall-mounted Lite Brite in the Manitoba Museum Science Gallery.

Join us tomorrow, Friday, December 5, from 4 pm to 9 pm for special First Friday programming! Enjoy FREE general admission to the Museum Galleries, Planetarium, and Science Gallery. No ticket is required for First Friday programming.

Learn more about Dec. 5 programming: https://ow.ly/BUMH50Xynqo

Word graphic in red and white. Text on the left side reads, "Winter Auction / November 26 to December 10 / Fundraising in support of Manitoba Museum". On the right side is a photo of dancers playing Clara and the polar bears in the Nutcracker ballet, and a headshot of Cortney Pachet.

Perfect for a ballet aficionado! Bid in our Winter Auction to win two tickets to the Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet'sThe Nutcracker. Then, join Collections Technician Cortney Pachet for a behind-the-scenes look at our collection of RWB costumes!

Make your bid: https://ow.ly/FFkM50XyOFi

A word graphic. In the centre a photograph of over forty Museum staff posing together. The individuals in the front hold up sheets of paper spelling out THANK YOU. Text reads, "Made By Manitobans Like You". Below the image, on a red bar, is the GivingTuesday logo, text reading, "There's still time to give! / Donate before December 31.", and the Manitoba Museum logo.

You did it, Manitoba! Together, we raised $72,950 on #GivingTuesday to support the exhibits, collections, and programs that make the Manitoba Museum a living reflection of Manitoba’s stories. From all of us at the Manitoba Museum - thank you.

There's still time to give: https://ow.ly/lMhA50XBn5m

Red and white word graphic. Text reads, "In 2025, your support helped us preserve and care for 2.9 million artifacts and specimens / Support us on GivingTuesday". At the top is an encircled photo of a woman wearing a harness, up in the rigging of a wooden sailing vessel, the Nonsuch, using a paintbrush to apply tar to the ropes.

Red and white word graphic. Text reads, "In 2025, your support helped us connect with 75,000 students through school programs / Support us on GivingTuesday". At the top is an encircled photo of a child looking closely into a display case containing a beaver specimen posed as though swimming.

Red and white word graphic. Text reads, "In 2025, your support helped us welcome 46,921 visitors for free through Access for All / Support us on GivingTuesday". At the top is an encircled photo of a group of adults and children posing for a photo beneath the MANITOBA sign in the Museum's Welcome Gallery.

A photograph of an adult holding a toddler who is reaching out to wave towards the caribou in the diorama in the Museum's Arctic and Sub-Arctic Gallery. Text on the image reads, "Made By Manitobans Like You". Text on the image reads, "Made By Manitobans Like You". On a red bar to the right, above the Manitoba Museum logo, text reads, "Support us on GivingTuesday / Dec. 2".

What a day! 🎉 On this #GivingTuesday, Manitobans came together to celebrate and support the Museum that tells our story. Through your generosity, we can continue to inspire wonder, spark discovery, and share our province’s incredible history.

Help us finish strong. Donate: https://ow.ly/K6yH50XAoWh

A message from our CEO, Dorota Blumczyńska, on #GivingTuesday!

We are feeling the love, Manitoba! Thanks to your generosity, we have already raised $63,237 toward our Giving Tuesday goal!

The day isn't over yet - donate here: bit.ly/3MeYcnA

A Museum staff person seated in front of a table with a group of young students grouped around to watch a demonstration. Text on a red bar to the right reads, "I Donate to Support / Students Discovering Science."

Two women wearing beige coloured headscarves smiling and talking together at a table with handheld snacks and tea cups in front of them. Text on a red bar to the right reads, "I Donate to Support / Meaningful Museum Programming."

A photograph taken from above showing a very large rug in predominantly cream and blue colours. At the bottom edge of the rug, a Museum conservator kneels to carefully vacuum it through a screen. Text on a red bar to the right reads, "I Donate to Support / The Care of Museum Collections."

Two adults seated with two children on their laps and a teen standing behind as they all engage with an exhibit in the Manitoba Museum's Winnipeg Gallery. Text on a red bar to the right reads, "I Donate to Support / The Sharing of Manitoban Stories."

Because of the generosity of Manitobans like you, we can continue to grow, teach, and inspire. Every donation today helps us care for our collections, support school programs, and share the stories that make Manitoba unique.

What inspires you to give? ManitobaMuseum.ca/Donate

#GivingTuesdayCA

The Manitoba Museum is made by Manitobans. By people who care about preserving our stories, celebrating our cultures, and inspiring curiosity. Your donation helps us continue that legacy for generations to come.

Give today and be part of Manitoba’s story: https://ow.ly/3MPS50XAm1G

#GivingTuesdayCA

Word graphic for Pyjama Days @ the Manitoba Museum, with the event title on black and red plaid in the upper left corner. Below that, on a white background, text reads, “Dec 20 – Jan 4 / *Closed December 24 & 25*”. On the right side is a photo of three smiling children with their arms around each other as they pose in the Nonsuch cargo hold. A red circle in the lower centre reads, “Buy your tickets online today!”.

Pyjama Days are back Dec. 20 to Jan. 4! The Manitoba Museum is the place for a warm and cozy Winter Break. Toss on your comfiest pyjamas and cushiest slippers and join us this winter break for family fun in all three of our incredible attractions.

Get your tickets early: https://ow.ly/lepL50XzbE3

A photograph of two children looking into a glass encased diorama in the Manitoba Museum Parklands Gallery. Text on the image reads, "Made By Manitobans Like You". On a red bar along the bottom, next to the Manitoba Museum logo, text reads, "Dec. 2 / Support us on GivingTuesday".

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday! This Giving Tuesday, we are celebrating the people who have built and supported the Manitoba Museum from day one: Manitobans like you.

Give today and be part of Manitoba’s story: ManitobaMuseum.ca/Donate.

#MadeByManitobans #GivingTuesdayCA #MyMBMuseum

A Manitoba Museum Membership card held up in front of the iconic bison diorama in the Manitoba Museum’s Welcome Gallery. Three taxidermied bison in lifelike poses charge over prairie in front of a blue sky.

For a limited time, Manitoba Museum Memberships are 25% off! Get a year of unlimited access to our three incredible attractions, and enjoy Member-only events, special ticket prices for Museum programs, and many other benefits.

Sale ends January 4. Buy now: https://ow.ly/SpqT50XvYOF

Older couple reading display copy standing with their backs to the camera in front of a large dinosaur fossil mounted on a wall in front of them in the Earth History Gallery of the Manitoba Museum.

Join us on First Friday, December 5, from 4 pm to 9 pm for special First Friday programming! Enjoy FREE general admission to the Museum Galleries, Planetarium, and Science Gallery. No ticket is required for First Friday programming.

Learn more about December 5 programming: https://ow.ly/BUMH50Xynqo

Word graphic with text below the Museum Shop logo. Text reads, "Winter Sale! / Members Enjoy 25% off Non-Members save 15% / November 28 to December 24". On the edges of the graphic are photos of Shop merchandise including pottery, t-shirts, books, and posters.

Join us this festive season for special sales, unique gifts, and holiday cheer!

Open in Festival Hall from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, the Museum Shop pop-up offers a delightful range of items perfect for everyone on your holiday list. Shop in-person or online at ManitobaMuseumShop.ca.

We are excited to share our 2025 Winter Auction is on now! Bid on a variety of incredible experiences, behind-the-scenes tours with Museum Curators, and unique gifts. You can also support the care of our collections directly with a symbolic donation!

Make your bid: https://ow.ly/f1Ge50XyLYP

Side view of a pinned Osmoderma subplanata specimen against a gray background. Much of its exposed exoskeleton is black to very dark red, with its hardened forewings a brighter red colour. In many places, the beetle is covered in dense hairs, especially on the sides of the abdomen.

The same beetle in front view. The fossorial (shovel-like) legs are prominent, as is the extent of the dense hair, which obscures the specimen's mouthparts. The two bright orange spots in the front are the tips of the antennae.

Have you ever seen a beetle from the genus Osmoderma? These beetles, like this recently-donated specimen of O. subplanata, are among the largest beetles here in Manitoba. Adults use their fossorial (shovel-like) legs to dig through the leaf litter in search of food, mates, and safety.

A word graphic. In the centre a photograph of two children holding hands as they walk through the iconic Boreal Forest diorama past the moose in the Manitoba Museum. Text reads, "Made By Manitobans Like You". Below the image, on a red bar, next to the Manitoba Museum logo, text reads, "Dec. 2 / Support us on GivingTuesday".

December 2 is #GivingTuesday, a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. Stay tuned as we share how the generosity of Manitobans like you has shaped Manitoba’s stories.

Give today and be part of Manitoba’s story: ManitobaMuseum.ca/Donate

#GivingTuesdayCA

YouTube video by Manitoba Museum Silk Conservation

Different materials can provide different challenges when it come to their conservation and preservation as part of the Museum Collection.

In this video, join Senior Conservator Carolyn to see two of the pieces she has been working on recently which are both made of silk: youtu.be/0nw2fzjTSRY

The bison from the iconic diorama in the Manitoba Museum Welcome Gallery with the words “EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP” overlaid on top of them. A red block advertises 25% off All Memberships. On a blue bar along the top, text reads, “Enjoy epic fun for a whole year!”, and on a yellow bar at the bottom, text reads, “Sale ends January 4, 2026”.

It’s our biggest Membership Sale of the year! Purchase a new Membership or renew before January 4, 2026 to save 25%!

Enjoy unlimited free admission and so much more. Let the history, nature, and science of the Manitoba Museum change your life forever.

Explore Membership: https://ow.ly/fW4Q50XvYAJ

A digital art and beadwork rendition of the exterior of the Manitoba Museum, Planetarium dome, and Nonsuch ship in vibrant colours and florals. The image is on a fuchsia background, below text reading, "I Belong Here / Temporary exhibition by Lucy Lindell, Indigenous Scholar in Residence ".

Don't miss "I Belong Here" on your next visit! Through digital art prints Lucy Lindell, Indigenous Scholar in Residence, transforms Winnipeg museums and galleries into Indigenous teachings that exist to help us live a good life.

Plan your visit: https://ow.ly/bf7k50Xw5kJ