Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, Halifax

Located in downtown Halifax, the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History is a key institution dedicated to the natural sciences and cultural heritage of Nova Scotia. As part of the broader Nova Scotia Museum network, it showcases collections on archaeology, ethnology, mammals, marine life, and more, providing insight into the region’s rich ecological and historical tapestry.

The museum's origins trace back to 1868 when it was first established as the Provincial Museum. Over the decades, it underwent several relocations and transformations: moving into the Nova Scotia Technical College in 1910, rebranding as the Nova Scotia Museum of Science in 1947, and finally settling at its current Summer Street location in 1970. In 1993, a major reorganization of the Nova Scotia Museum system led to the creation of the Museum of Natural History, which has since operated as a dedicated branch focused on both natural and cultural heritage.

A notable resident of the museum is Gus, the gopher tortoise, who has lived here for most of his life. Acquired by former curator Donald Crowdis, Gus has become a local icon, celebrating his 97th birthday in 2019, making him one of the oldest known gopher tortoises.

Beyond its exhibits, the museum hosts the Carbon Arc Cinema, a repertory film program that screens a curated selection of movies in its theater space. The building also serves as the headquarters for the Nova Scotia Museum system and the province’s Heritage Department, reinforcing its role as a cultural and scientific hub.

Whether visitors come to explore the province’s biodiversity, delve into archaeological discoveries, or meet the legendary Gus, the Museum of Natural History remains an essential stop for anyone interested in Nova Scotia’s past and present.