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4 Reasons Why the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Belongs on Your Must-Visit List in 2025

Posted: September 04, 2025 | Author: Jonah Nguyen | Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights stands tall in the heart of Winnipeg. It's one of those places that sticks with you even after you've left. Follow along with my journey as I spent a day walking through the museum!

Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge

The museum's newest, limited-time exhibit, Love in a Dangerous Time shines a light on the fight for 2SLGBTQI+ rights. This exhibit highlights the struggle and triumph that took place between the 1950's to 1990's through first-hand stories, photos and interactive activations.

As I walked through, I found myself slowing down to take in each story. Some displays celebrate resilience while others are key reminders of discrimination and hardship that people have faced during what's now known as the LGBT Purge.

The Witness Blanket

The Witness Blanket is another part of the museum that left an impression on me. This exhibit features over 800 items donated from residential school survivors and their loved ones to recognize the impact of the residential school era.

Upon walking towards the exhibit, the first thing I noticed is the size of it. As I approached, I was struck by the significance behind each item. Every piece carries it's own story, whether it be braids of hair that was cut off or shoes that have been left behind.

I took my time to examine the individual pieces. Before leaving, I was invited to write down my thoughts to join the conversation for reconciliation.

A Brief Moment's Rest

After exploring some of the heavier exhibits, I was grateful for a chance to pause, rest and reflect. We stopped at some of the spaces that we're specifically designed for that.

The Garden of Contemplation is a peaceful and stunning area. The design with still pools of water and lush greenery almost feels like you're stepping into another world. I found myself lingering here to take in the stillness and allowing the calm to settle over me.

Another area worth visiting is Cloud Coffee. I grabbed some warm drinks and sat at the tables provided while discussing what with a friend, what we had experienced throughout the museum. It was a simple moment but exactly what we needed before heading back into the final stretch of the museum.

Awe-Inspiring Architecture

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights' striking architecture is definitely one of my personal reasons to visit the museum. From the outside, the mix of stone and glass makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Winnipeg. The building seems to almost want to reach upwards with the Tower of Hope symbolizing a brighter future for all.

Inside the building, the architecture itself tells a story. Upon entry, you are greeted with floors that are tinted red, textured with cracks, resembling the dried clay of the river's banks. It serves as a symbol of the land that we are on. As you move throughout the galleries, the softly lit alabaster ramps criss-cross upwards for 800 meters making it a truly picturesque and symbolic journey, guiding you forward as you head deeper into the exhibits.

The journey eventually leads to the Israel Asper Tower of Hope, which rises 100 meters into the sky. From the viewing platform, you are able to view Winnipeg's downtown, leaving you with a perfect way to end the visit.

If you're coming to visit Winnipeg or even if you are a resident, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a stop you won't want to miss. For more information on ticketing and exhibits, visit their website.

Hi! I'm Jonah. Being born and raised in Winnipeg, I have yet to explore all of Manitoba. Stay tuned for my adventures!

About The Author

Hello! My name is Jonah. Born and raised in Winnipeg, I’ve realized there’s still so much of this amazing province I have yet to see. I am on a mission to explore it all, so stay tuned for more stories from my adventures!

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