Hours
Lift - out of service
The lift between the upper level (main gallery) and lower level (washrooms and community rooms) of the museum is out of service. The upper level can be accessed at the front of the museum and the lower level can be accessed at the rear of the museum. We are working to restore service as soon as possible.
Location and contact
Tel: (613) 580-9638
Email: museums@ottawa.ca(link opens email application)
Facebook(link is external)
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Admission
Admission to the museum is pay-what-you-can. Special pricing may apply for programs and events.
About us
The Nepean Museum is a space where kids and families can learn and explore together. The exhibition gallery showcases Nepean’s history through a series of changing exhibits. With many fun hands-on events, programs and exhibitions, you’ll find lots to discover together.
Weekend Crafters
Weekend Crafters
May 18, June 22, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17 and September 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Cost: pay-what-you-can
Play, tinker, and create at Nepean Museum’s MakerStudio! Families are invited to get crafty with drop-in activities inspired by local history. We’re switching up the craft and themed scavenger hunt at each session to explore the permanent exhibition from new perspectives!
May 18 - Leaf and flower prints
June 22 - Garden wind chimes
July 6 - Button making
July 20 - Glitter snow globes
August 3 - Lego printmaking
August 17 - To be confirmed
September 21 - Metal stamp keychains
Notes:
- This is a drop-in style program; families are welcome to join the activities at any time during the advertised hours. Please note that the craft activity can only be offered as long as supplies last.
- Weekend Crafters is best suited to families with children ages 6 to 12. However, younger children may be able to enjoy the activities with the assistance of an adult or older sibling.
- The primary language of delivery for this program is English. Any printed materials will be provided in both official languages (English/French).
Craftspace
Craftspace
July 5, July 12, July 19, and July 26 from 10 am to 11 am
Ages 3 to 5.
$7.08 per child.
Advance registration is required. (link is external)
Get creative and engage with the museum’s collection through play! Each week we’ll complete a craft or artmaking activity inspired by a unique object with a heritage theme.
Themes:
July 5 – Sidewalk chalk quilt
July 12 – DIY toy
July 19 – Natural inks & dyes
July 26 – Neighbourhood collage
Notes:
- This program is delivered in English.
- Parental/guardian supervision is required (no additional cost for adult accompanying the participating child).
- Please dress your child in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
- Please pack a peanut-free snack and water.
- Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
- If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca(link opens email application). Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.
You Can't Do That at the Museum
You Can’t Do That at the Museum
July 5, July 12, and July 19 from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Ages 6 to 9.
Cost: $12.66 per child.
Advance registration is required.(link is external)
It’s time to get creative, silly, and a little bit messy at Nepean Museum! We’ve been inspired by the keep-you-on-your-toes sketch show format, and rule bending attitude, of the CJOH-TV classic “You Can’t Do That On Television”. Travel through the decades and see your community through the lens of a different theme each week with a variety of fun, hands-on activities exploring the museum’s exhibition and artefact collection.
Themes:
July 5 – Slime
July 12 – Music & audio
July 19 – Secret codes
Notes:
- This program is delivered in English.
- Please dress your child in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
- Please pack a peanut-free snack and water.
- Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
- If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca(link opens email application). Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.
Tales of the Magical Museum
Tales of the Magical Museum
Sundays, July 27 to August 24 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Ages 9 to 11.
Cost: $30.23 per child.
Advance registration is required.(link is external)
Discover the magic of Nepean Museum in this collaborative storytelling adventure inspired by games like Dungeons & Dragons. Using the museum’s exhibitions and artefact collection, create a character with special abilities influenced by heritage trades, and cross paths with figures from Ottawa’s history as you help decide where the story will take you next.
This program features a continuous narrative that will be explored over the five-part series. No prior experience is needed to join the fun!
Notes:
- This program is delivered in English.
- Please pack a peanut-free snack and water.
- Sessions with insufficient registration may be cancelled. If an alternative cannot be offered, a refund will be issued.
- If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, contact the museum at 613-580-9638 or museums@ottawa.ca(link opens email application). Additional information regarding accessibility is available on the museum webpage.
Collections and exhibits
Permanent exhibition - Rural Roots and City Streets
"Nepean: Rural Roots and City Streets" explores this essential piece of Ottawa’s history. Using dozens of photos, artefacts, and interactive elements, this new, permanent exhibition spans the full history of Nepean from its use by Algonguin peoples from time immemorial, up until Nepean’s amalgamation with Ottawa at the turn of the 21st Century.
Our volunteers
The City of Ottawa Museums are committed to offering residents meaningful and rewarding volunteer experiences.
Heritage volunteers play an invaluable role in preserving our unique heritage and in providing museum visitors of all ages with opportunities to appreciate our shared story.
Thank you to all our volunteer team members for their continued support.
The museums are not currently accepting new volunteers. If you have any questions about the volunteer program or would like to be notified when volunteering resumes, please contact museums@ottawa.ca(link opens email application).
Rentals
For more information, please contact our Customer Service Booking Clerk. Call 613-580-9638 or email museums@ottawa.ca(link opens email application).
Accessibility
Work with us to shape your experience. Contact the museum before your visit to discuss your needs. Information about accessibility at the facility, programs, and services is available upon request.
The accessibility features of this facility are detailed below. While the City of Ottawa is constantly working to improve access, please note that not all parts of every facility are necessarily 'accessible for all' as facilities were built to meet accessibility standards of their time.
Parking
- 3 designated parking spaces
- Accessible path of travel from the parking lot to entrance
- 20 metres from parking space to the door
Entrance/Exit
- 2 accessible entrances
- Entrances marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility
- Ramp
- Wide door for wheelchair passage
- Automatic door opener
- Direct access to the main floor, lobby, elevator
Interior
- All public spaces on accessible path of travel
- Ramps or elevators to all levels
- Accessible seating available
Reception desks
- Floor area for manoeuvring a wheelchair
- Swipe access from seated position
Signage
- Large lettering
Washrooms
- Located on lower level
- Automatic door opener
- Large stalls to allow transfers
- Universal (gender-neutral)
Elevator/Lift
- Access to all floors
- One-wheelchair lift
- Located between the two entrances
Telephone
- Volume control
- Accessible path
Museums/Galleries/Archives
- All exhibition spaces are accessible
- Captioned videos
- Wheelchair accessible
- Good visibility for patrons in wheelchairs
- Interpretative labels/panels in large font
Learn more about Inclusive Recreation and accessible services.
Amenities and features
- Adjacent park with play structures
- Washrooms – gender-specific
- Free on street parking
- Free parking
Accessibility features
- Elevator/Lift
- Entrance/Exit
- Parking
- Washrooms