Guides for Exploring: Teens 13 to 17
All museum exhibitions are suitable for teenagers. Parents or caregivers are in the best position to decide whether teens need supervision.
Guide for ages 13 to 17
Level 1: Bonnie & John Buhler Hall
You’re about to begin your adventure.
The whole building represents a climb from darkness to light. You start below ground level in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall and take a quest‐like journey up a series of ramps connecting the galleries. Near the top, you can take a glass elevator ride to the viewing platform on the Israel Asper Tower of Hope.
At the start of your journey, there’s a projection of people writing “Welcome” on a wall in many languages. This tells you that everyone is welcome at the Museum. No matter where you’re from, how old you are or what your abilities are, you belong here.
Have a look at the model of the Museum. Can you see how the building has stone “roots” that anchor it to the earth, a “mountain” section that is heavy and solid, and a “cloud” made of glass?
Find the bronze cast of a human footprint and try putting your foot in it. Imagine, hundreds of years ago, someone wearing a moccasin left this print on the land where the Museum now stands.
Level 2: What Are Human Rights?
The multimedia show in this gallery tells stories about people such as a Paralympic swimmer and a fair‐trade business owner.
Level 2: Indigenous Perspectives
Inside the circular theatre in this gallery is a wraparound screen where you can watch the film Circle of Knowledge: A Good Life for Us All.
Level 2: Canadian Journeys
In this gallery, you can stop at the theatre and watch two films, Canadian Human Rights Journeys and Childhood Denied: Indian Residential Schools and their Legacy. In the centre of this gallery is the motion‐sensor game, Lights of Inclusion. Watch how your movements activate bubbles of coloured light on the floor. Grab some friends and see what happen when you work together.
Level 3: Protecting Rights in Canada
Discover how your opinions on landmark legal cases compare with your friends. Rights in the Courts is an interactive table in this gallery that introduces you to real court cases and allows you to express your views by voting.
Level 4: Turning Points for Humanity
The digital books in this gallery are four tall video monitors that look like open books. You can use arm gestures to control videos about topics on collective action such as Tears for Justice, which seeks justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Level 4: Breaking the Silence
This gallery has a study table with an interactive touch‐screen surface. Multiple people can use it at the same time. Choose a circle on the map and uncover evidence of atrocities that have been committed there and what violations have been hidden or denied.
This gallery also showcases the film Covering the Holodomor: Memory Eternal.
Level 4: Actions Count
Your years of playing video games could help you in this gallery. It’s Your Choice is a multi‐player, role‐play game on an interactive table. You choose an animated character and work to make a difference in the community. You could even use some of the ideas in real‐life.
Level 5: Rights Today
Films in this gallery explore cyber‐bullying and representations of women in media.
Level 7: Inspiring Change
If music plays a big part in your life, you’ll love the Music Listening Stations in this gallery. Grab a set of headphones and choose songs on a large video screen. Powerful lyrics will connect you with the songs and a soundtrack of human rights struggles.