The Canadian War Museum will be reopening to visitors next week after months of COVID-19 lockdown.

Museum officials and fans are delighted that after missing key events, like the anniversary of VE Day in May and its own 15th anniversary celebrations, the museum will finally open on Weds 2nd September. Its sister museum, the Canadian Museum of History, on the opposite bank of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, will reopen at the same time.

Both Museums will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. This new phase of reopening includes access to most gallery spaces, and the return of free admission on Thursday nights from 5 to 8 p.m.

Visitors to the Canadian War Museum will once again be able to tour the galleries and several special exhibitions. The four Canadian Experience Galleries examine Canada’s military history from early wars on Canadian soil to 21st-century conflicts around the world. The popular LeBreton Gallery displays one of the most extensive collections of military hardware and technology in the country. Canada’s rich history of honouring and remembrance is presented in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall of Honour. Special exhibitions currently on view include The Canadian Forces Artists Program – Group 8, an exhibition of works created by the most recent group of civilian artists to deploy with the Canadian Forces entirely on Canadian soil, and Invasion! Canadians and the Battle of Normandy, 1944, which showcases seven personal stories of incredible Canadians marking the 75th anniversary of the epic campaign.

The Gift Shops will also be open at both Museums, as will some food services and on-site parking.

Enhanced measures have been put in place to help ensure the health and safety of visitors — including timed ticketing, physical distancing, increased cleaning, sanitizing stations, new signage and the wearing of masks. To ensure physical distancing, access has been limited to 50 people per 30-minute time slot. Admission on site without a pre-booked ticket is available only on a first-come, first-served basis.