Visitors who adorn themselves in red and white, sing the national anthem or otherwise display their Canadian pride will be admitted for only $5 to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) on July 1.

Canada's new national museum celebrates our country's 149th birthday with a slate of family-friendly activities all day long, designed to set off fireworks of inspiration for human rights (program schedule below).

The Israel Asper Tower of Hope will also glow maple-leaf red on Thursday and Friday nights, while three Canadian flags will fly in front of the building. The outdoor amphitheatre near the Group Entrance will also be open for use all day and into the evening. The Museum itself is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 1.

What: Canada Day activities and $5 admission at CMHR
When: July 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Plus: Glowing RED Tower of Hope – June 30 and July 1 starting at dusk
Where: CMHR, 85 Israel Asper Way

*To arrange access into the Museum, please contact Louise Waldman (contact information below)*

Program activities

• Rights take flight (all day) – Celebrate your Canadian spirit by making a bird with red and white maple-leaf shapes.
• Make a trace (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) – Learn more about "Trace," the Museum's stunning original art installation by renowned Canadian artist Rebecca Belmore. Made of thousands of large clay beads, hand-pressed by people from all walks of life, the piece was inspired by archaeological finds discovered beneath the Museum. The piece reflects Indigenous perspectives on rights and responsibilities to humanity and to the land. Make your own clay bead to take home.
• Weaving change (12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) – Discover how grandmothers from around the world work together to promote the rights of children and AIDS orphans in Africa – grabbing attention to their cause by "yarnbombing" trees. Learn how to finger-weave and make your own yarn creation.
• Little Defenders story time – Special guest storytellers help families explore concepts of acceptance, respect and giving.
• Scavenger hunt – Explore the Museum in a fun and educational way by tracking down the objects, stories and architectural features on your list.
• Ideas for your visit – Museum staff will be on hand at a special table all day to help families plan an engaging and appropriate visit that's just right for them.
• Gallery tours – Ninety-minute tours will be offered for an additional $5 per person (adult) at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., with an hour-long tour at 1 p.m.