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The 10 Best Museums in Kelowna for History, Art, and Culture Lovers
Move. See. Um. Say it fast ten times…go on, try it. Sounds a lot like “museum,” eh? And if you humour me a bit, it kind of makes sense—you move around, see displays and exhibits, and say “um” as you puzzle over the history or context behind them.
Cheesy? Maybe. But honestly, museums deserve that kind of playful contemplation; they’re where history, art, tradition, and culture all meet under one roof.
So, whether you’re a tourist, a student, a researcher, a family, or just a curious mind with a weekend afternoon to spare, here’s a roundup of the best museums to explore in Kelowna.
Okanagan Heritage Museum
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Address: 470 Queensway
Contact details: +1 250-763-2417
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
You’ll get a deep dive into local history with the Okanagan Heritage Museum, Kelowna’s largest cultural history museum. It gives you a thorough look at how the region has developed over the years, from early settlers to the growth of the city, showing the town’s history effectively.
You’ll also find fossils, local wildlife displays, and geological exhibits that explain how the Okanagan Valley was shaped over time. And instead of just reading plaques, you can go up to interactive displays and objects you can actually touch, making it enjoyable for kids, too.
We also like that alongside the permanent displays, there are also special rotating exhibits throughout the year. And we can tell that the museum puts effort into connecting locals through events, talks, and educational programs.
Pro tip:
Since the museum is situated right in downtown Kelowna, you can pair a visit here with nearby coffee shops, restaurants, or even walk by the lake. Also, visit early in the day if you can; it tends to be quieter, and you have first dibs on interactive exhibits.
Okanagan Military Museum
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Address: 1424 Ellis St
Contact details: +1 250-763-9292
Operating hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
Visiting the Okanagan Military Museum will give you a look at Canada’s role in global conflicts, from the Boer War to modern peacekeeping missions. It does a great job at showing how the Okanagan community contributed during wartime, whether through enlistment, support, etc.
The museum is not huge, so expect to explore most of it in about an hour without feeling rushed. As you browse, you’ll find everything from medals and weapons to military equipment and rare documents, with each item telling a story.
We have to say that if you’re into military history, you’ll appreciate the detail, and the displays are well-curated, so you don’t feel like you’re looking at random vintage clutter. Plus, access is typically free; they usually just encourage some donations.
Pro tip:
Try to check the events calendar before you go, and you might catch temporary displays or special events. That said, try to plan your visit around Remembrance Day (November 11) or other commemorative events if you can.
Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum
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Address: 1304 Ellis St
Contact details: +1 778-478-0325
Operating hours: Thursday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum celebrates the valley’s agricultural roots, diving into how orchards and vineyards shaped the Okanagan, from early fruit farming to the booming wine industry. It’s also nice how you can explore everything in under an hour.
The displays show how apples, cherries, peaches, and other fruits became the backbone of the local economy. You’ll get to see old tools, photographs, and farming equipment, and how they highlight how hard work and ingenuity turned the Okanagan into “fruit country.”
On top of that, there are also vintage wine labels, bottling equipment, and marketing materials that trace the industry’s journey. Also, since it’s located downtown, it makes for an easy stop before or after grabbing a bite, hitting a tasting room, or strolling along Bernard Avenue.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning winery tours, this museum is the perfect primer. And try to check the schedule before you go; timing your visit with a market means you can see the exhibits and then sample local produce, wine, and artisan goods in one stop.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
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Address: 421 Cawston Ave
Contact details: +1 250-717-5304
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
What we like about the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) is that it’s more than just a display of art and history; it’s also one of Kelowna’s most active cultural hubs. It showcases everything from live theatre and concerts to art exhibitions and workshops.
We love that this place features and hosts rotating visual art exhibits, and even local artists often display their work here, so every visit can feel different. The centre’s Mary Irwin Theatre hosts a steady lineup of plays, film screenings, music shows, and dance performances.
Another cool thing is that you can find pottery classes, painting workshops, and even dance or movement sessions. Their on-site bistro is also a nice bonus—it’s a great place to grab coffee or a bite before catching a show or while wandering through the galleries.
Pro tip:
For those planning to see a show, arrive 30-40 minutes early—the lobby often has art displays, and the bistro is perfect for a quick pre-show snack or drink. You can also get to other nearby museums and galleries, and even the waterfront.
Sncewips Heritage Museum
Media from sncewipsmuseum
Address: 525 BC-97 Unit 260
Contact details: +1 778-755-2787
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
Sncewips Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the culture, history, and stories of the Sylix/Okanagan people. You can go around and explore thousands of objects, including traditional tools, art, clothing, and historical documents.
In addition to its permanent displays, it regularly brings in new exhibits that focus on topics like land stewardship, storytelling, or Indigenous art. We also appreciate the clear explanations, storytelling elements, and sometimes even guided tours that bring depth and context to the exhibits.
And just to give you an idea, the space isn’t large, but the content is powerful. Just keep in mind that the museum is in West Kelowna, which makes it a bit of a drive from downtown Kelowna, but it’s well worth the trip, especially if you’re pairing it with a visit to nearby wineries.
Pro tip:
Pair your visit with a stop at one of the nearby West Kelowna wineries, since many of them are just a short drive away. Take the time to ask staff about the stories behind the exhibits; they usually share context you won’t find on the labels.
KF Centre for Excellence
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Address: 5800 Lapointe Dr
Contact details: +1 250-807-5353
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
KF Centre for Excellence is the place to appreciate aviation in the Okanagan. The building itself is worth seeing—designed to resemble the fuselage and wings of an aircraft, it’s one of the most eye-catching structures in Kelowna and sets the tone before you even step inside.
As you step in, you’ll see a collection of vintage aircraft, some restored to immaculate condition. And walking among them gives you a real sense of scale and the evolution of flight technology.
It’s also worth highlighting that there are hands-on displays and multimedia exhibits that explain everything from aerodynamics to the history of local aviation companies. For those looking to go deeper, guided tours add extra depth if you want a more structured experience.
Pro tip:
Since the centre is right near the airport, look out for any flight activity; you’ll often see planes taking off or landing, which adds to the experience. If you’re travelling with kids, check the centre’s schedule for family-friendly workshops.
Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens and Gallery
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Address: 250 Reynolds Rd
Contact details: +1 250-860-7012
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens and Gallery gives you the museum and art gallery experience, but makes it “outdoor”. The sculpture gardens are spread across several acres, with large-scale bronze and steel works displayed under the open sky.
Here’s a cool trivia: this is also where Dutch-Canadian artist Geer Maas lives and works. Maas’ sculptures cover themes of humanity, nature, and spirituality, with works ranging from monumental outdoor pieces to finely detailed smaller works.
Other than the outdoor sculpture, the indoor spaces also showcase paintings, medals, and smaller sculptures. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even meet the man, Geert Maas himself, as he is often around the property—conversations with him add depth and that personal touch.
Pro tip:
Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer, since sculptures reveal new textures and dimensions as shadows shift, and the gardens feel especially exclusive during these times.
Westbank Museum
Media from westbankmuseum
Address: 2376 Dobbin Rd
Contact details: +1 250-768-0110
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Website
Let us beat you to it, no, Westbank Museum isn’t a bank—this place is all about telling the story of the West Kelowna community, from its early settler days to more recent growth. It’s not a large museum, either, but that’s part of its charm, and the exhibits are curated with care.
Speaking of exhibits, they highlight daily life in Okanagan, with items like old farming tools, clothing, household goods, and school memorabilia. Besides its permanent collection, they regularly feature rotating displays that shine a light on specific themes or community milestones.
We also find it convenient since it’s easily accessible if you’re exploring wineries or other Westside attractions, making it a good, chill add-on to a day in that part of the valley. The entry is donation, so it’s budget-friendly and great for a quick but meaningful stop.
Pro tip:
After visiting, it’s a good idea to take a short drive to Gellatly Bay on Okanagan Lake, since it’s just minutes away and ties together the history you’ll see in the museum with the geography that shaped it.
Father Pandosy Mission
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Address: 3685 Benvoulin Rd
Contact details: +1 250-860-8369
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Website
Father Pandosy Mission has quite the history—founded in 1859 by French Oblate missionary Father Charles Pandosy, it was the Okanagan Valley’s first permanent European settlement. Unlike traditional indoor museums, this place is spread across open grounds where you can wander.
You can expect original log buildings and relocated heritage structures, including a chapel, schoolhouse, and even a blacksmith shop—it’s like a different timeline. You can go inside the buildings and see an extensive collection of tools, furniture, and household items from the 1800s.
Best part? There’s no set admission fee (donations are encouraged, though).
Pro tip:
Wear good walking shoes and allow yourself extra time, since the site stretches across several acres.
Kelowna Art Gallery
Media from kelownaartgallery
Address: 1315 Water St
Contact details: +1 250-762-2226
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Website
The Kelowna Art Gallery rightfully carries the city’s name because it’s Kelowna’s flagship public art gallery that showcases contemporary and historical art in a welcoming downtown setting.
We love how diverse this place is. With multiple galleries inside, you can explore a mix of media and themes, from painting and sculpture to photography and installations.
It’s also cool that they offer art classes, workshops, and family days, making it a good stop for both kids and adults.
Pro tip:
Visit their official website to see any current exhibitions or events. If you time it right, you can enjoy the exhibits and take part in a workshop or event at no extra cost.
