Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Are you looking for a fascinating museum to visit while in Halifax? If so, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a must-see. Located at the very edge of the Halifax harbour, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is the largest museum in Atlantic Canada. This museum covers the stories of individuals, families, and communities who have come to call Canada their home. From the nation-building stories of those who served in the Second World War, to the remarkable tales of the millions of immigrants who passed through Pier 21, the museum tells personal stories of immigration that have helped to shape our country. In addition to offering exciting exhibitions and interactive displays, the Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 also has numerous artifacts and historic documents on view. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the interesting facts and information about the museum, as well as provide you with a travel guide for exploring the museum.

Interesting Facts About Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

1. Pier 21 was Canada’s only designated ocean immigration shed and the landing point for over one million immigrants.

2. In the 1920s the Canadian government adopted a policy to recruit predominantly British and American citizens as settlers and discriminated against Asian immigrants.

3. More than 400 Jewish children, known as the “kindertransport”, were sent from Europe to Canada via Pier 21 during World War II.

4. Over four million pieces of archival material, audio-visual records, artefacts, photographs, documents and oral history interviews are stored in the museum’s collections.

5. The museum offers an interactive audio tour, allowing visitors to learn more about the Pier 21 experience.

6. More than 68,000 people, including refugees, immigrants and Canadian military personnel, departed from Pier 21 between 1928-1971.

7. Pier 21 was designated a national heritage site in 2011 and is the only institution in Canada to focus on immigration themes.

8. There is an entire exhibit dedicated to the experience of Chinese immigrants that highlights the hardships faced by Chinese settlers in Canada.

9. In 1991 the museum received the Governor General’s History Award for Commemorative Events.

10. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is the only museum of its kind in North America.

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History & Information About Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, also known as Pier 21, is a national museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It honours the role that ocean-going vessels and immigration have played in shaping Canada’s history. Situated close to downtown Halifax on the Halifax Harbour waterfront, Pier 21 was Canada’s primary immigration shed from 1928 to 1971. During this time, it processed over one million immigrants, war brides, child refugees, and displaced persons. Of them were some of Canada’s most renowned celebrities such as Sir Donald Suthurst (founder of McDonald’s Restaurants) and beloved folk musician Oscar Brand.

The museum offers several permanent galleries full of interesting artifacts that tell the stories of Canada’s diverse immigrants. Some of the interactive exhibits at the museum include digital media displays, audio-visual experiences, recreations of the ship hallways, and workshops from interactive theatre. There are also museum theatres, interactive displays and tours, a research centre, and information about events, activities, and lectures.

Today, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is one of the countries most visited museums. Each year, its front doors open to welcome over 200,000 visitors. Its mission is to promote knowledge, understanding and celebration of Canada’s immigration process, and the contributions of immigrants to Canada’s culture, economy, and society. It does this through the collecting of artifacts that reflect Canada’s rich and varied immigration history, as well as education, programming, and collaboration with the community.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Getting There:

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located at 1055 Marginal Road in Halifax, Nova Scotia. If you’re arriving by air, the closest airport is Halifax Stanfield International Airport, which is about a 20 minute drive away from the museum. If you’re arriving by train, VIA Rail’s Atlantic station in Halifax is a 25 minute drive away. You can also catch a city bus and take the #7 route, which will take you right to the museum.

Hours of Operation:

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am and 5:00pm. The museum is closed on all statutory holidays.

Admission:

Admission costs for adults (ages 18-64) are $17.00 plus taxes per ticket. Admission costs for youth (ages 6-17) are $12.25 plus taxes, and admission costs for seniors (ages 65+) are $14.50 plus taxes per ticket. Children aged 5 or younger can enter free of charge.

What to See:

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 has interactive exhibits that tell important stories about immigration to Canada throughout the centuries. You can explore the different galleries, take a guided tour, watch multimedia films, and even go on an interactive scavenger hunt. There is also a permanent collection of personal artifacts, photographs, documents, and art that will give you a glimpse into the lives of immigrants to Canada.

Events and Programs:

The museum also offers a number of events and programs throughout the year. These include special lectures, films, workshops, and performances that allow visitors to experience the different stories of immigration to Canada.

Other Things to Do:

Once you’re done exploring the museum, there’s plenty more for you to do in Halifax. You can check out the nearby Halifax Harbourfront, take a walk around downtown, or visit the Citadel Hill National Historic Site. There are also plenty of local restaurants and bars to enjoy.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

1. What is the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21?
A. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is a national museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia dedicated to telling the story of Canada’s immigration history.

2. When was the museum founded?
A. The museum was founded in 1999 and is the only Canadian museum dedicated to immigration.

3. What can I find at the museum?
A. The museum features interactive exhibits, multimedia installations, interactive activities, a learning studio, a theatre, a restaurant, and a gift shop.

4. Is the museum open during the pandemic?
A. The museum is currently open (as of August 2020).

5. Are there any age restrictions for admission?
A. General admission is free for children 12 and under, and there are no age restrictions to visit the museum.

6. Does the museum have any special exhibitions?
A. Yes, the museum is currently featuring two special exhibitions. The first, entitled Home on the Sea: The Story of Pier 21, explores the Pier 21 site and the immigration stories that shaped Canada. The second, entitled Through Immigration, examines the ongoing immigration stories of today.

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