The Naval Museum of Halifax, Nova Scotia

Have you ever been to Halifax’s Naval Museum? Many Haligonians would answer no, or you may see a confused look upon their faces. Maybe even hear something along the lines of “Halifax has a Naval Museum!?”.

As one of Halifax’s hidden gems, the Naval Museum of Halifax is located off Gottingen Street on the Stadacona base. Bring your government issued photo ID to get in, and a couple minute walk to the right will bring you to the beautiful Admiralty House. Admission is free, donations appreciated.

About the Naval Museum

Admiralty House was built from 1815 to 1819, used as the home for the Commander in Chief of the Royal Navy’s North American Station. Since 1904 the house has served many other purposes, for instance as an officer’s mess and residence. The building has a stunning stone exterior alongside a mostly original interior. With some updates, such as to repair damage after the Halifax Explosion, the house serves as an example of British Classicism.

The Naval Museum of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is the front of the building, an old stone house.

Layout of the Museum

Admiralty House is now both a National Historic Site and a museum. Housing the Halifax Naval Museum, or Marine Command Museum, there are 3 floors of exhibits. As you open the doors, you’ll see a bright corridor with flags, followed by the second door into the museum. The entry as well as most of the museum is filled with paintings and photos of naval ships. The first floor consists of a dining room, living room like space, a room dedicated to women’s history and artifacts, then the museum’s archive.

The WRCNS Room

The WRCNS (Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service) room, or “Wrens”, focuses on women’s contributions to the Royal Canadian Navy in different capacities from serving overseas to touring Canada as wartime performers.

Photo of the Wren room in the Halifax Naval Museum. There are photos and uniforms used by women in the forces.

The Living Room

The living room contains exhibits including new Parks Canada’s Hometown Hero posters (stay tuned, a post about this will follow soon!).

The Basement

The basement hosts weapons and technology spanning from artifacts like swords, ammunition, and communication devices. Unique artifacts fill this floor, including a lamp made from a military helmet and munitions.

The Second Floor

The second floor offers more exhibits, mostly based around different wars or events involving the Canadian Navy. Each room, like in the basement, has a different theme.

Beautiful stairway with flags at the Naval Museum of Nova Scotia's capitol, Halifax.

Final Thoughts

I no doubt was pleasantly surprised to roam this museum that I found out about through colleagues. Tucked in Stadacona, Admiralty House is not visible from the street, leaving it largely unknown to tourists and some locals. Yet the museum offers a detailed insight to the history of service women and men, which the city of Halifax still largely consists of today. If you want to know more about Halifax’s past – and present- I highly suggest taking a dip down to the Naval Museum of Halifax, open 9am-3pm Monday to Friday.