The six best museums in the Forest City
From wonderful restaurants to marvelous parks, London has it all. And if you’re the kind of person who likes more educational and quiet attractions, the city is also home to some great museums and historic sites. For the lovers of art and history, here’s a list of the six best museums in London:
1. Eldon House
481 Ridout Street N
This is London’s oldest residence, and it has remained virtually unchanged since the 19th century. This historical site in downtown London was donated to the City of London in 1960, and since then it has been immaculately preserved with its heirlooms, furnishings and priceless treasures of the Harris Family, the original owners of the house. Besides being an excellent example of Georgian and Regency architecture, its gardens are considered among the most beautiful in the city.
“Displaying paintings by The Group of Seven to conceptual pieces of contemporary art, Museum London has one of Canada’s most important art collections, and one of the most significant historical artifact collections in Ontario.”
2. Banting House National Historic Site
442 Adelaide Street N
Considered the birthplace of insulin, this house became home to Frederick Banting in 1920, when he decided to open a private practice in London. It was here where, at 2 a.m. on the morning of Oct. 31, 1920 that Banting wrote down the 25-word hypothesis that would later lead him to the discovery of insulin, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
3. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum
701 Oxford Street E
This 1886 building officially became a museum in 1983, when it was inaugurated by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It is dedicated to the exploits of the Royal Canadian Regiment. The museum teaches regimental history through its collection of documents, pictures, military artifacts, books, and more. Here you will find an impressive collection of tanks, weapons, uniforms, medals, military equipment, and musical instruments dating from 1833 to today.
4. London Children’s Museum
21 Wharncliffe Road S
Focused on the educational and social development of children through interactive experiences, the London Children Museum was the first of its kind in Canada when it was inaugurated in 1973. Here you will find immersive environments and hands-on activities that will allow any kid (or kid at heart) to explore history and heritage, science, social relationships, art, and culture.
5. Museum London
421 Ridout Street N
Museum London is an art and history museum located in the margins of the Thames River. Displaying paintings by The Group of Seven to conceptual pieces of contemporary art, Museum London has one of Canada’s most important art collections, and one of the most significant historical artifact collections in Ontario. Museum London promotes art and history through public and educational programming, special events and exhibitions.
6. Museum of Ontario Archaeology
1600 Attawandaron Road
This museum will take you back in time to 12,000 years ago as you explore the history of First Nations peoples in Canada. Using archaeological artifacts, you will uncover the evolving technologies and culture of thousands of years ago. This museum also has an amazing outdoor space, where you will find the Lawson Site, a 500-year-old village where over 30,000 artifacts were discovered. There you will discover a reconstructed longhouse built alongside the Medicine Wheel Garden. Finish your day with a hike through the forest covering some un-excavated areas of the site.