The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is the first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. Our aim is to build not only a national hub for human rights learning and discovery, but a new era of global human rights leadership.

Creating inspiring encounters with human rights, we will engage Canadians and our international visitors in an immersive, interactive experience that offers both the inspiration and tools to make a difference in the lives of others. We will welcome our visitors as partners on a journey to erase barriers and create meaningful, lasting change.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the first national museum to be built in nearly half a century, and the first outside the National Capital Region.

Mission Statement

Established by Parliament through amendments to the Museums Act on March 13, 2008, which came into force on August 10, 2008, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is envisioned as a national and international destination-a centre of learning where Canadians and people from around the world can engage in discussion and commit to taking action against hate and oppression.

As with all of Canada's National Museums, the CMHR will play an essential role in:

• Preserving and promoting our heritage at home and abroad
• Contributing to the collective memory and sense of identity of all Canadians
• Inspiring research, learning, and entertainment that belong to all Canadians.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The purpose of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, as set out in the new legislation, is as follows:

The purpose of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is to explore the subject of human rights, with special but not exclusive reference to Canada, in order to enhance the public's understanding of human rights, to promote respect for others and to encourage reflection and dialogue (Museums Act).