Victorian-era museum offering free programming to explore the past

Inside the Dalnavert Museum in Winnipeg on June 14, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg)

A Victorian-era museum in downtown Winnipeg is offering free programming on the second Saturday of each month, allowing visitors to explore the past.

The Dalnavert Museum was built in 1895 and was home to the Macdonald family, Agnes and Hugh John Macdonald, along with their children.

Hugh John was the son of the first prime minister of Canada, John A. Macdonald.

Samantha Machado, museum services manager, said the free programming includes Victorian-era-themed games, crafts and a self-guided tour of the historic house.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for lots of different people from all sorts of walks of life to come and get to explore a little bit more about Winnipeg’s early history,” said Machado.

Machado said the museum offers a glimpse into what an upper-middle-class house would have looked like during the Victorian-era.

Outside of the house, Machado said the garden is also supposed to evoke the style of a garden around 1895.

The free programming, called “Second Saturdays,” is year-round, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the summer months and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. starting in September.

Machado said the programming activities change from month to month.

“No matter how old, how young, you’ll definitely get something out of it.”

For museum hours and admission rates, visit the Dalnavert Museum’s website.