New Westminster Museum & Archives

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Discover the people, history, and development of BC's first capital city, New Westminster.

Did you know Victoria wasn't always BC's capital? That title first belonged to New Westminster, a city rich with history and named by Queen Victoria herself. There's no better way to discover this fascinating past than a visit to the New Westminster Museum & Archives, conveniently located in the Anvil Centre, right next to the SkyTrain station.

Why Visit the New Westminster Museum?

Discover BC's First Capital: Learn about the city's vital role in the province's history, from the Gold Rush to its industrial peak.
Engaging Exhibits: The museum features interactive displays and a vast collection of over 35,000 objects that bring the city's stories to life.
Convenient Location: Located on the third floor of the Anvil Centre, it's easily accessible by SkyTrain and can be combined with other downtown New West attractions.
Three Sites in One: Your visit can extend to the historic Irving House and the Samson V paddlewheeler, both part of the museum's network.

What to See & Do

Main Gallery (Anvil Centre): Explore the permanent exhibit detailing the city's history, from its Indigenous roots as a Stó:lō gathering place to its modern development.
Feature Exhibitions: The museum hosts rotating temporary exhibits on a variety of interesting topics. Check their website to see what's currently on display.
Visit the Archives: The archives hold over 35,000 historical records and photographs, available for public viewing by appointment.
Explore the Other Museum Sites:
- Irving House: A beautifully preserved 1865 home, a short walk from the museum.
- Samson V Maritime Museum: Tour the last steam-powered sternwheeler to operate on the Fraser River, moored at Westminster Pier Park (open seasonally).

Pro Tips & Local Insights

Start at the Anvil Centre: The main museum provides a great overview of the city's history before you explore the other heritage sites.
Admission by Donation: Entry is free, but donations are welcome to help support the museum's programs and collections.
Check All Site Hours: The Irving House and Samson V have different operating hours and seasons than the main museum. Be sure to check the official website before you go.

Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)

Westminster Pier Park: A beautiful waterfront park located right behind the Anvil Centre.
Front Street Mews & Antique Alley: Explore the shops and restaurants along New Westminster's historic Front Street.
Irving House Museum: Just a 10-minute walk from the main museum.

See the complete line of Vancouver Experiences on Viator

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: By Donation

New Westminster Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: 777 Columbia St, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6, Canada

Phone: (604) 527-4640

Official Website: New Westminster Museum

New Westminster Museum Reviews

Rated 4.4 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The New Westminster Museum is a place you want to return to. The history of the city from the beginning to the present day is shown. From what is presented you will learn how the city developed and what life was like. Construction achievements and sports victories. Stories about brave firefighters and police officers. Even the door of the local university has been preserved! You can get acquainted with the paintings of local artists whose paintings are exhibited nearby. A wonderful place with free entry and comfortable places to relax.
Свят Мысив - a year ago

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5 Star Rating Visit this museum. It's very interesting, and IT'S FREE!. You will learn about New Westminster history in general, including the indigenous people who inhabited and own this land. There is also an exhibit dedicated to lacrosse history.
Hugo Laci - a year ago

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5 Star Rating I went to this museum while I was in Douglas, it’s next to the Anvil centre. One of the best places to visit in New Westminster. If you are interested in the New West history, New Westminster museum should be one of your choices. It was quite on Wednesday.
Parsa Samandi - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating This city in New West has a more legendary history than Vancouver. As the first port, its lacrosse and fire department are equally famous. Here you can also see the history of immigrants' struggles here, how to bring their own culture and take root in this land.
Laurence M - 9 months ago

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4 Star Rating A free museum in the Anvil Centre, if you're already here to see the New Media Gallery or the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, check it out. The exhibits include memorabilia, artifacts, newspaper reprints and even a 1926 Ford Model T and a New Westminster Police motorcycle. Interesting history of a part of the world that is new to me so it was interesting to learn a microcosm of Canadian history here as New Westminster grew from before its earliest settlement to the city it is today. Of course, no Canadian museum is complete without an acknowledgement of the impact of colonialism and New Westminster's exhibits include statements and context that recognize it. There is a display of First Peoples artifacts and history.
Bruce K. - a year ago