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Whether you have a free afternoon or you’re visiting the Forest City for the first time, it’s worth exploring some of the best museums in London, Ontario. From interactive exhibits for families to thought-provoking galleries and historic homes, London’s museum scene offers something for every kind of curious mind. These cultural institutions celebrate the city’s diverse heritage, from Indigenous archaeology to aviation, art, and innovation.
International Museum Day, celebrated annually on May 18th, is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the stories, collections, and community spaces that shape how we understand the world. As you plan your visit, consider marking your calendar for Doors Open London in the fall — a special weekend that invites the public to explore many of these museums and historic sites free of charge.
1st Hussars Museum
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Located downtown, the 1st Hussars Museum focuses on one of Canada’s oldest armored regiments—1856 to be exact. With displays of medals, maps, and historic uniforms, the museum offers insight into Canadian military history dating back to the 1800s.
📍It’s a compact but well-curated space located inside the former Carling Brewery stables — perfect for a focused, educational visit.
Follow them on Instagram: @1sthussars
427 Wing & Spirit of Flight Museum
Aviation buffs will enjoy this small but mighty museum near London International Airport. 427 Wing & Spirit of Flight Museums honour Canadian airmen and women, featuring flight jackets, aircraft models, and tributes to those who served during the Second World War.
📍Volunteers are often veterans themselves, and their personal stories bring these artifacts to life.
Follow them on Facebook: 427 Wing London
Banting House National Historic Site of Canada
Known as the “Birthplace of Insulin,” this site commemorates Dr. Frederick Banting’s groundbreaking idea. In Banting House you can visit the preserved bedroom where inspiration struck in 1920 and explore artifacts detailing the discovery that changed the world of medicine.
📍Don’t miss the Flame of Hope, a monument lit in honour of those living with diabetes worldwide.
Follow them on Instagram: @bantinghousenhs
Eldon House
Built in 1834, Eldon House is London’s oldest surviving residence. This beautifully maintained historic home provides a rare look at upper-class life in Victorian Ontario, with original furnishings, lush gardens, and rotating exhibits. Eldon House is one of the oldest museums in London, Ontario.
📍Seasonal events and heritage tea services on the lawn offer a charming way to engage with London’s past.
Follow them on Instagram: @eldonhouse1834
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Step back into 19th-century rural life at this open-air museum. With heritage buildings, costumed interpreters, and live demonstrations, Fanshawe Pioneer Village recreates how local communities evolved from 1820 to 1920. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors and have a picnic!
📍Visitors can explore more than 30 historical structures, including a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and working farmstead.
Follow them on Instagram: @fanshawepioneervillage
Ska-Nah-Doht Village & Museum
A very popular school day trip for London students, Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum features a recreated longhouse village similar to those from 1000 years ago, an indoor museum, and three Heritage Log Cabins. Ska-Nah-Doht Museum / the Resource Centre is currently closed to the public.
📍 Longwoods Road Conservation Area and Ska-Nah-Doht Village remain open to the public.
Follow them on Instagram: @skanahdoht
The Jet Aircraft Museum
The Jet Aircraft Museum is a hands-on aviation museum that is home to several Cold War-era jets, including the CT-133 Silver Star. Located at the airport, the museum focuses on preserving aircraft and honouring Canada’s role in jet aviation training.
📍Visitors can sometimes book special flights or cockpit tours with trained pilots, offering a unique thrill.
Follow them on Instagram: @jetaircraftmuseum
The London Children’s Museum
Serving families since 1975, the London Children’s Museum is filled with interactive exhibits on dinosaurs, space, local culture, and science. It’s a beloved spot for curious kids — and fun for adults too. If museums are not your vibe, there are plenty of things to do with tweens and teens in London, Ontario.
📍Currently undergoing a move to a new downtown space – 100 Kellogg Lane, the museum continues to offer pop-up and community programming.
Follow them on Instagram: @londonchildrensmuseum
Museum London
Museum London is the city’s main public art and history museum, boasting over 5,000 works of art and 45,000 artifacts. With exhibitions covering regional history, Canadian art, and creative community programs, it’s a cornerstone of London’s cultural scene. Truly another example of the best museums in London.
📍The museum’s riverside location and on-site café make it a great destination for a relaxing afternoon visit.
Follow them on Instagram: @museumlondon
The Museum of Ontario Archaeology
Dedicated to 13,000 years of Indigenous and archaeological history in Ontario, the Museum of Ontario Archaeology features a reconstructed longhouse village and hands-on exhibits. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the region’s earliest peoples and ongoing research.
📍Special events, including Indigenous cultural workshops and archaeology day camps, connect the past to present-day learning.
Follow them on Instagram: @museontarch
The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum
Located at Wolseley Barracks, this museum traces the history of The Royal Canadian Regiment Museums — one of the country’s most distinguished infantry units. See military artifacts, weaponry, and personal stories from missions abroad and at home. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum is a very comprehensive museum and well worth a stop.
📍Interactive digital exhibits and life-size dioramas help tell the story of Canada’s modern military.
Follow them on Instagram: @rcrmuseum
The Secrets of Radar Museum
A one-of-a-kind museum focused on radar technology and secrecy during WWII. The Secrets of Radar Museum shares untold stories of Canadians who worked under strict secrecy agreements — only recently allowed to speak about their contributions.
📍It’s a deeply personal museum built on oral history, where each display honours the people behind the equipment.
Follow them on Instagram: @secretsofradarmuseum
Make International Museum Day Count in London
London, Ontario’s museums offer something for everyone — history buffs, art lovers, families, and aviation fans alike. This International Museum Day, take a moment to explore the spaces that preserve our stories and spark curiosity for generations to come.
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