What is special about the Royal Alberta Museum?

The Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton is the largest museum in Western Canada, featuring over 5.1 million artifacts that showcase Alberta’s human and natural history. It’s known for its engaging exhibits, including Indigenous stories, fossils, wildlife displays, and hands-on galleries for all ages.

How much does it cost to visit the Royal Alberta Museum?

Admission is $21 for adults , $14 for seniors , and free for children 6 and under . Youth (7–17) currently get free admission during the teachers’ strike , and families (up to two adults and children under 17) can visit for $50 . The museum also offers free entry on special days like Family Day and Alberta Culture Days.

How long does a visit take?

Most visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum, though you can easily spend longer if you want to see every exhibit and enjoy the café or gift shop.

Is photography allowed inside the Royal Alberta Museum?

Yes, personal photography is allowed , but avoid using flash, tripods, or selfie sticks in restricted areas to protect the exhibits.

Can you bring food or drinks to the Royal Alberta Museum?

Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed in the galleries, but you can enjoy snacks and meals at the RAM Café or nearby restaurants in downtown Edmonton.

Royal Alberta Museum: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Edmonton, visiting the Royal Alberta Museum is a great place to start. Located in the heart of downtown’s Arts District, the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) is one of the best museums in Alberta and a top cultural attraction in the country. The museum first opened on December 06, 1967, but in 2005, it was renamed the Royal Alberta Museum in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

The museum shares Alberta’s remarkable stories through fascinating exhibits that explore the province’s people, wildlife, and natural history. Visitors can discover millions of artifacts, from ancient fossils and Indigenous heritage to insects and modern culture, all beautifully displayed in a world-class setting.

More than just a museum, the Royal Alberta Museum is a reflection of Alberta’s past, present, and future. Its engaging galleries and hands-on exhibits make it a perfect destination for families, students, and curious tourists. With over 5.1 million items in its collection, the museum offers something new to explore on each visit. A trip to RAM is an inspiring way to connect with Alberta’s diverse heritage and experience the stories that continue to shape the province today.

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Where is the Royal Alberta Museum Located?

The museum is located at 9810 103A Avenue NW, right in the heart of downtown Edmonton’s vibrant Arts District. It’s surrounded by popular landmarks like City Hall, Churchill Square, and the Art Gallery of Alberta. The area is lively, safe, and filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and public spaces where you can relax before or after your tour.

Getting to the Royal Alberta Museum is simple, no matter how you travel. If you’re driving, there’s convenient paid parking nearby and on the streets. For those using public transit, the Churchill LRT Station is just a short walk away, and several bus routes stop close to the museum. I found it very accessible, even for first-time visitors to downtown Edmonton. Its central location makes the Royal Alberta Museum an easy and enjoyable stop for anyone exploring the city.

Museum Hours and Admission Fees

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 8 p.m.. The Museum Shop opens at 10:30 a.m. (Wednesday to Sunday), Closing at the same time as the museum, while the Museum Café is open to guests from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Wednesday to Sunday). It’s good to note that construction around the area might affect parking and access, so you need to prepare for that.

Here’s a breakdown of the current admission prices at the Royal Alberta Museum:

Category	Daily Admission	Mammoth Pass (Annual)
Adult (19–64)	$21	$35
Senior (65+)	$14	$30
Youth (7–17)	FREE (during teachers’ strike)	$20
Child (6 and under)	FREE	FREE
Family (up to 2 adults + children under 17, max 8 people)	$50	$70

Admission is free for Indigenous Peoples, visitors 18 and under (during the teachers’ strike), and healthcare aides accompanying visitors with disabilities. RAM also offers free admission on Family Day (February), Alberta Culture Days (late September), and Seniors Week (June). If you plan to go with friends or a tour group, you can enjoy discounts of 10%–20% depending on group size. For regular visitors, the Mammoth Pass is a great deal—it allows unlimited access for an entire year.

What to See Inside the Royal Alberta Museum

Indigenous History: Royal Alberta Museum

Exploring the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton was one of the most fascinating experiences I’ve had in Edmonton. Every gallery tells a story about the province’s past and natural world. The museum does an incredible job of blending education and fun, creating an experience that’s perfect for families, students, and curious travellers. From ancient fossils to living insects, every corner offers something to discover and admire.

The Human History Hall was a highlight of my visit. Here, I learned about Alberta’s deep cultural roots and how its people have shaped the province through time. The exhibits focus on Indigenous histories, showcasing their traditions, craftsmanship, and connection to the land. You’ll also find displays about Alberta’s early settlers, industries, and modern growth. It’s an inspiring look at how diverse communities have built and contributed to the province’s identity. The storytelling is powerful, and the artifacts make history feel alive and personal.

Next, I spent time in the Natural History Gallery, which is a must-see for anyone interested in science or wildlife. This area takes you back millions of years to when dinosaurs roamed Alberta. Gigantic fossils, Ice Age mammals, and interactive geology displays make it easy to understand how the province’s unique landscapes formed. The exhibits also highlight Alberta’s ecosystems, from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies, helping visitors appreciate the beauty and complexity of local wildlife and natural forces.

One of the most exciting parts of the museum for me was the Bugs Room. This section is both educational and fun, especially for kids and families. The museum’s insect collection is massive, featuring over 250,000 pinned specimens from around the world. You’ll find everything from wasps, bees, and ants to beetles and butterflies. There are also displays of aquatic insects, snails, and even tiny bird and mammal parasites. I was amazed at how detailed and interactive the exhibits are—you can observe live insects and learn how vital they are to our ecosystems. It’s easily one of the most memorable parts of the museum.

For families with young children, the Children’s Gallery is a wonderful space filled with play-based learning activities. Kids can touch, build, and explore in ways that make learning fun and engaging. Before you leave, be sure to check the Feature Exhibitions area, which hosts rotating displays from around the world. These temporary exhibits often include international art, science, and cultural themes that add something new for repeat visitors. No matter your age or interests, there’s always something exciting to see inside the Royal Alberta Museum—it’s truly a place where Alberta’s stories come to life.

Royal Alberta Museum Gallery

Mammoth skeleton with large curved tusks on display at the Royal Alberta Museum, surrounded by informational plaques and a painted prehistoric backdrop.

Museum exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum featuring traditional Indigenous clothing and artifacts displayed in glass cases, with informational panels and animal imagery above the displays.

A collection of various preserved beetles and insects displayed on a white background, inspired by exhibits at the Royal Alberta Museum.

A collection of various ancient stone tools, arrowheads, and artifacts from the Royal Alberta Museum arranged in rows and groups against a white background.

Three taxidermy birds are displayed on a naturalistic base with ferns and moss, reminiscent of exhibits at the Royal Alberta Museum, set against a light background.

Exhibit hall at the Royal Alberta Museum with large woolly mammoth skeletons and other prehistoric animal fossils displayed in glass cases, under dim lighting.

Close-up of a prehistoric fish fossil with an open mouth, sharp teeth, and prominent eye sockets on display at the Royal Alberta Museum against a plain background.

Children’s museum exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum featuring oversized leaf decorations, interactive play stations, a dinosaur skeleton, and large windows with a snowy outdoor view.

A collection of fossilized animal bones and skull fragments from the Royal Alberta Museum displayed on a white background.

Museum exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum features life-sized figures of Native Americans in traditional attire, a painted tipi, and a background mural depicting a plains landscape and encampment.

At the Royal Alberta Museum, visitors explore historical artifacts, a torpedo, a large shell, display cases with unique objects, and a tall totem pole while walking through the engaging exhibits.

A museum exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum features two taxidermy deer in a naturalistic display with grass, branches, and snow, surrounded by informational signs and a barrier.

Museum exhibit room at the Royal Alberta Museum displaying various minerals and rocks in glass cases, with informational plaques and soft overhead lighting.

Close-up of colorful beaded embroidery, inspired by motifs at the Royal Alberta Museum, featuring green leaves, red and pink flowers, and stems on a dark background.

Tips for Visiting

The best time to visit is during weekday mornings or late afternoons when the galleries are quieter, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, especially in the Children’s Gallery. Plan to spend around 2 to 3 hours inside the museum to fully enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed. If you have extra time, the Museum Shop and RAM Café are great spots to take a short break before heading out.

The museum is designed to be accessible and family-friendly. There are elevators, wheelchair-accessible routes, and seating areas throughout the galleries. Families will find stroller-friendly spaces, nursing rooms, and play areas that make the visit comfortable for all ages. After your tour, you can grab a coffee or light meal at the RAM Café, or explore the nearby downtown Edmonton restaurants and parks around Churchill Square. With these tips in mind, your visit to the Royal Alberta Museum will be both enjoyable and memorable.

Hotels and Attractions Nearby

When I visited the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, I was happy to find several great hotels just a short walk or drive away. Staying nearby makes it easy to spend more time exploring downtown and enjoying the area’s cultural spots. Some of the most convenient hotels include the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District, which offers modern comfort and luxury, and the Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown, which is known for its amazing views of the river valley. If you prefer something budget-friendly, the Holiday Inn Express Downtown and Matrix Hotel are both excellent choices within easy reach of the museum.

One of the best parts about visiting the museum is how close it is to other popular Edmonton attractions. Just a few minutes away, you can explore the Art Gallery of Alberta, a stunning glass building filled with local and international art. Churchill Square, right across from the museum, is another great place to relax, people-watch, or catch seasonal festivals and outdoor events. The ICE District, home to shops, restaurants, and entertainment, is also nearby, making it a perfect spot for dinner or an evening out.

If you enjoy live sports or concerts, you’ll love how close the Royal Alberta Museum is to Rogers Place, home of the Edmonton Oilers. It’s only a short walk from the museum and surrounded by lively bars and cafés. For those wanting a mix of culture, dining, and entertainment, downtown Edmonton has it all within a few blocks. Staying near the Royal Alberta Museum gives you easy access to the city’s best attractions.

FAQs About the Royal Alberta Museum

What is special about the Royal Alberta Museum?

The Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton is the largest museum in Western Canada, featuring over 5.1 million artifacts that showcase Alberta’s human and natural history. It’s known for its engaging exhibits, including Indigenous stories, fossils, wildlife displays, and hands-on galleries for all ages.
How much does it cost to visit the Royal Alberta Museum?

Admission is $21 for adults, $14 for seniors, and free for children 6 and under. Youth (7–17) currently get free admission during the teachers’ strike, and families (up to two adults and children under 17) can visit for $50. The museum also offers free entry on special days like Family Day and Alberta Culture Days.
How long does a visit take?

Most visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum, though you can easily spend longer if you want to see every exhibit and enjoy the café or gift shop.
Is photography allowed inside the Royal Alberta Museum?

Yes, personal photography is allowed, but avoid using flash, tripods, or selfie sticks in restricted areas to protect the exhibits.
Can you bring food or drinks to the Royal Alberta Museum?

Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed in the galleries, but you can enjoy snacks and meals at the RAM Café or nearby restaurants in downtown Edmonton.