Location
Using the ramps
Using the elevators
Visiting the Israel Asper Tower of Hope
Blocking time in your calendar
Food and beverages
Environmental sensitivities
Temperatures
Bringing children
Inclusive design and accessibility

Location

We are located at 85 Israel Asper Way, at The Forks, in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. You’ll find the main entrance adjacent to a skateboard park and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Using the ramps

The Museum offers a journey from darkness to light. You enter the Museum at ground level, into a space that has a subterranean feel. You gradually work your way higher on a series of inclined ramps that reveal more and more daylight. There are six levels of exhibits and 11 galleries. 

The unique architecture parallels a human rights journey – it requires some effort and has a few twists and turns, but can be very rewarding to complete.

Wear comfortable shoes if you are walking and keep your camera ready – natural light combined with lit, alabaster-covered ramps is always a favourite for photographers.

Using the elevators

If you want to visit a particular gallery, or simply prefer not to use the ramp system, the elevator in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall stops at all gallery levels, from levels 2 through 7. A second elevator boarding from the Garden of Contemplation on Level 3 accesses the higher level galleries and the Tower of Hope. Using the elevators gives you the option of visiting the galleries and the Tower of Hope in any order that you like.

Visiting the Israel Asper Tower of Hope

The Tower of Hope offers panoramic views of Winnipeg. You can access the Tower via elevator, or alternatively, if you are comfortable with heights, you may choose to climb the winding stairs. Since capacity on the Tower is limited, for reasons of safety, you may experience a wait for access to the Tower. During busy visitation periods such as seasonal holidays and long weekends, wait times can extend up to 30 minutes or longer.

Blocking time in your calendar

There is so much to see and explore! If you want to visit all 11 galleries at a relaxed pace, we suggest setting aside three or four hours. If you have some time, you might want to start your visit in the morning, break for lunch and then complete your visit in the afternoon. 

Food and beverages

ERA Bistro, located on the main floor, offers meals and snacks.

Eating and drinking is not permitted in the galleries.

You’re welcome to eat or drink in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall or on Terrace C on Level 5. Please do not bring foods containing nuts into the Museum.

Drinking fountains
Drinking fountains are located next to the washrooms on Levels 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Environmental sensitivities

Please consider avoiding the use of scented products out of respect for those with environmental sensitivities.

Temperatures

Dress warmly. Due to the preservation needs of rare artifacts, the Museum strictly controls temperature and humidity throughout the building and exhibit galleries. As a result of this common museum practice, you can anticipate average temperatures of 19 to 20°C (66 to 68°F). We encourage you to bring a sweater or light jacket in case you need it during your visit. If you forget, keep our Boutique in mind! It offers several fashionable options for keeping warm.

Bringing children

The Museum welcomes children!

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights welcomes children of all ages and abilities. No child is too young to encounter ideas such as respect, inclusion, cooperation and fairness. 

We encourage young visitors, from toddlers to teens, to investigate human rights topics at their own level of understanding.

They can ask questions and obtain guidance from Museum staff located throughout the galleries.

In order to assist in planning your visit, check out: Visiting with Children: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers. 

You can also access age-specific self-guiding tools which provide exhibit suggestions for children of all ages. These are suggestions only. Parents and caregivers should monitor children in their care and be aware of children’s responses to Museum content.

Exploring with Children Under 7

Exploring with Children Aged 7 to 12

Exploring with Teens Aged 13 to 17

Inclusive design and accessibility

We’ve worked hard to make our exhibits and programs inclusive and accessible to everyone. No matter who you are, we will connect you to human rights subject matter. Our ramps are built to code and offer resting places at regular intervals. All of our videos include open captioning, descriptive video, American Sign Language and Langue des signes québécoise. Pick up a mobile device with accessibility features at Ticketing and Information when you arrive, or ask our staff for information about how we can meet your specific needs.