Exhibitions

Hearts of Freedom - Stories of Southeast Asian Refugees

Special Exhibition
August 22 to December 3, 2023

These courageous refugees risked their lives, journeyed to different host countries, and travelled thousands of miles to Canada. The exhibition tells the stories of these survivors, in their own words and through their unique perspectives, adding to the fabric of the Canadian history of immigration.

Exhibition details →

The Hearts of Freedom logo with various photographs of people around it.

#HopeAndHealingCanada

Special Exhibition
June 6 to October 30, 2023

Tracey-Mae Chambers is a sculptor who explores relationships between human beings and the natural world using organic mediums including beeswax and wool. A proud member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, whose ancestors hail from the Drummond Island community, she has been reconnecting with her heritage through site-specific installations in public spaces, historic sites, and cultural venues across North America.

Exhibition details →

An artist works with red string to create a hanging craft.

Destination: Canada

Special Exhibition
May 4 to October 4, 2023

In 2022, the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands published a graphic novel called "Destination: Canada”, telling the story of ten Dutch immigrants, illustrated by ten comic book artists. The Museum has adapted two of these stories for a special exhibit, presenting the story of George Zwaagstra, a Pier 21 immigrant and volunteer, and Tayebeh Farooqi-Wahedi, a refugee from Afghanistan and immigrant from the Netherlands.

Exhibition details →

Artist rendering of a comic book featuring George Zwaagstra.

The Canadian Immigration Story

Permanent Exhibition

Witness the challenge and triumph, the joy and injustice experienced by newcomers to Canada in the past and in the present. And learn about the vast contributions immigrants have made to Canada.

Exhibition details →

A long colourful bench with sections divided by centuries and events.

The Pier 21 Story

Permanent Exhibition

Step into the past and experience what it was like to immigrate to Canada through Pier 21. From the ship you sailed on, to customs and immigration in Halifax, to the train you took to your final destination, discover the past housed in the walls of our National Historic Site.

Exhibition details →

A long view of the Pier 21 Story exhibition space including a train car.

The Wheel of Conscience

Special Exhibition

The Wheel of Conscience sheds light on a dark moment in Canadian history. This memorial sculpture, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, is a potent reminder of the dangers of racism, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism.

Exhibition details →

Sculpture is a heavy steel wheel with four interlocking steer gears.