Tours
Virtual and on-site tours offer a deeper look.
Enjoy the Museum’s inspiring exhibits and stunning architecture on site or online. Public health restrictions mean we can’t offer virtual or in‐person tours at the moment. You can still explore the Museum from home using our videos and mobile app.
Photo: CMHR, Colin Corneau
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Explore the Galleries
60 minutes
Pre-bookings only
Join a tour guide via Zoom for this live, interactive experience, where you'll explore exhibits and powerful human rights stories. On this unique tour, your group, team or family will travel online with your own guide through the Museum’s amazing galleries – and leave feeling inspired. Guides carry mobile devices that capture live video as they narrate your journey, showcase architecture, and engage you in conversation about human rights in Canada and around the world.
Photo: CMHR, Colin Corneau
Booking:
To book a tour, please contact tours@humanrights.ca or 204–289‑2000.
Cost:
$125 per group. Maximum 25 participants.
Teachers and students: We also offer free virtual field trips for classrooms.
Videos
Visit our Explore the Museum from home page to find free videos that introduce the Museum’s architecture and some of our galleries.
Amazing architecture
In this five‐minute video, learn about the Museum's architecture while following along the alabaster ramps, peering over the spiral staircase into the Stuart Clark Garden of Contemplation, and looking out of the Israel Asper Tower of Hope. Discover how the architect drew inspiration from the Canadian landscape and human rights.
A view from the top
In this 10‐minute video, follow a Museum guide up glowing alabaster ramps to the 7th‐floor Inspiring Change gallery. You'll see a tree that has been covered in crocheted squares of yarn by African and Canadian grandmothers, music‐listening stations and a "Join the Conversation" station where visitors leave their own inspiring messages. Then, travel up the glass elevator to the Israel Asper Tower of Hope observation platform for panoramic views of Winnipeg.
A Canadian journey
In this 20‐minute video, you follow a Museum guide through two galleries on the Museum’s second level – Indigenous Perspectives and Canadian Journeys. You’ll see the 360‐degree “basket” theatre adorned with 13 spirit panels inspired by the visions of Indigenous youth, an 800‐year‐old moccasin print and the glowing alabaster rampways. You’ll also join the guide on the “Lights of Inclusion” floor projection, then hear about Canadian human rights defender Viola Desmond at the exhibit devoted to her story.
Explore using the mobile app
Whether you’re at home or in the Museum, our award‐winning mobile app provides a self‐guided experience that enhances your Museum journey with audio, video, text, images, augmented reality and interactive panoramas.
App download links
Audio Guide
This self‐guided tour provides you with highlights of the exhibits and architecture at the Museum. In some galleries, the voices of curators and program developers are included, explaining their work.
Accessibility
Use “Near‐Me” mode on the mobile app to receive information transmitted from 150 near‐field iBeacons located throughout the Museum (on‐site only). Designed to assist visitors who are blind or have low vision, this feature makes information accessible through Text‐to‐Speech readers. Universal Access Points with Braille, tactile numbers and “cane‐stop” floor strips alert visitors that this information is available. For visitors who are Deaf or hard of hearing, the app can be viewed in American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ). Sign‐language content for some onsite exhibits can only be accessed through the app.
Interactive Panorama
Using the camera on your mobile device, you can find augmented reality “hot spots” that relay information about Winnipeg landmarks visible from the Israel Asper Tower of Hope and the Ceremonial Terrace on Level 2.
Interactive Map
This fully accessible interactive map can tell you where you are, show you floorplans, or guide you with text‐based directions.
Guided on-site tours
The tours listed below will be available for private group bookings when it is safe to do so. Guided tours are led by interpreters who know the Museum inside and out. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available upon request. For more information, contact tours@humanrights.ca.
Explore the Galleries
60–90 minutes
Take a unique journey through a selection of galleries and exhibits that connect you with compelling human right stories from across Canada and around the world. On this tour, you’ll learn what the Museum is all about. Your knowledgeable guide will invite thought and discussion as you wind your way through stunning architecture and interactive exhibits. After the tour, take time to explore the Museum on your own – including a trip up to the Israel Asper Tower of Hope. You’ll leave feeling inspired!
Photo: CMHR, Ian McCausland
Discover the Building
60 minutes
Enjoy an amazing encounter between architecture and human rights. Your group will explore the design of the building and the human rights themes embedded in every structural component. You’ll learn about its unusual spaces, its environmental features and exotic rock faces – including the stunning alabaster ramps that glow like a path of light through darkness. This tour does not include interpretation of exhibits, but you are welcome to spend time afterwards to explore the Museum’s galleries on your own.
Photo: CMHR, Aaron Cohen
Women’s Rights Tour
75 minutes
Take a trip through the dynamic history of women’s rights. Your guide will help you explore some of the most pivotal issues that have affected women in the past, as well as the ongoing challenges of today. You’ll examine both familiar and lesser‐known stories about women in Canada and around the world – and the courageous actions taken to advance gender equality. There are many opportunities for interactive discussion along the way!
Photo: CMHR, Ruth Bonneville
Métis Rights Tour
60 minutes
Discover how the Métis people have asserted their rights over time in the face of major barriers, while influencing the birth of Manitoba and the human rights journey of Canada. You’ll learn about the role of Métis leader Louis Riel as your guide traces the story of the Métis Nation from early settlement to the cultural and political resurgence of today. You’ll see the world’s largest Métis beaded artwork, discover the Rules of the Buffalo Hunt, and explore the colours of the Métis sash.
Photo: CMHR, John Woods
Indigenous Rights Tour
120 minutes
This tour, developed in keeping with the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, explores connections between contemporary issues and historic violations of Indigenous rights in Canada. You’ll experience a 360‐degree film in a circular theatre, see a nine‐metre clay artwork and hear stories of resilience and survival. Interactive discussions and activities will challenge dominant world views to break down stereotypes and encourage action for reconciliation.
Photo: CMHR, Chronic Creative
Group reservations
Book a unique shared experience online or on‐site. When the Museum is open, we offer special ticket reservations for groups of 10 or more – available with or without guided tours, in English and French. We’re ready to create a customized experience for your group.
Photo: CMHR, Aaron Cohen
Explore the Museum from home
Spend some quality time with powerful exhibits and inspiring stories. Join a Museum guide on a recorded virtual tour of exhibits and architecture. Discover our many special online experiences.
