Safe Haven: Canada and the 1956 Hungarian Refugees

October 3 to 25, 2026

Old black & white image of three kids sitting with luggage bags, they are holding each other and look very happy.

Canadian Museum of Immigration Collection (D2014.10.1).

Safe Haven commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the resettlement in Canada of approximately 38,000 Hungarian refugees, who fled the Soviet invasion of their homeland in 1956. Many Hungarian individuals and families entered Canada through Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The exhibit briefly explores the events that led Hungarians to leave their country and the role of the Canadian government, community organizations, and individual sponsors in helping them begin new lives in Canada. The exhibit features archival images and original artifacts from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21's collection.

Featured Finds: A special edition scavenger hunt insert is available for visitors who want to discover more Hungarian stories from our exhibitions.