Dalnavert, built for Sir Hugh John Macdonald in 1895, is a portal in Winnipeg’s past. The house is maintained as if the Macdonald family were still living in the home today. Our programs are designed to explore local history near the turn of the 20th century, the history of the Macdonald family, and Victorian social customs. Dalnavert provides an immersive historical experience, inviting visitors to walk the halls of the house as they may have looked in 1895.
We have several program options from which to choose. Please read below or follow us on our Facebook page for up-to-date information.
Lady Macdonald is remembered for her active social life, including the elegant parties she once hosted at Dalnavert. This summer, join us at her former home for a leisurely tour of the first floor rooms of the Dalnavert Museum. Learn about the house’s history as a hub of social activity during the Macdonalds’ time here. After visiting the kitchen, dining room, and parlour, guests are invited to enjoy tea on the veranda and a lesson in the Victorian language of flowers. Guests are welcome to bring lunch or snacks to enjoy on the veranda after the end of the program (food is not provided by the museum). Tea is included in admission price. This program requires reservation.
Program length: 60 minutes
Price: $7.00 per person (all ages), support workers gratis
Number of guests: 6 to 12 (including support workers)This program takes place indoors and outdoors. In the event of rain, tea on the veranda will be cancelled. Instead, guests will be invited into the parlour for a playful session of parlour games (no tea; price will be reduced to regular admission: $6/adults, $5/seniors, $4/youth).
This program is wheelchair accessible.
Come out, come out and play! Pop by Dalnavert and wander through the museum, looking for treasures. Find all the treasures and you can enter your name into a draw for free tickets to the My Secret Garden program! After hunting for treasure, head up to Dalnavert’s attic and make a Victorian-era toy to take home. This family drop-in program is suitable for ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult.
This program does not require registration. Please allow approximately one hour to complete the tour and craft.
Price: $5.00 per person (all ages)
Age: appropriate for ages 4 and up (minors must be accompanied by at least one adult)
How to take part:
- drop in during regular operating hours over Spring Break
- drop in on Saturdays from June to August
- book this program privately for your group year-round
Join us at Dalnavert for fun in the sun! Through crafts, stories, and games, participants learn about plants and insects, the history of Dalnavert, and the importance of gardening in the past and present.
Price: $5.00 per person (all ages)
Age: appropriate for ages 6 to 12 (minors must be accompanied by at least one adult)
This program takes place indoors and outdoors. Please remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent!
The Manitoba Historical Society Dalnavert Museum gratefully acknowledges The Winnipeg Foundation’s generous support for this program.
Dalnavert offers five school field trip programs that are both curriculum-linked and inquiry-based. All five programs are designed specifically to complement and support Manitoba curriculum-based classroom learning and provide a unique experience for students through hands-on activities and Dalnavert’s immersive educational setting.
Click on the program title for more information:
Grade 2 - My Manitoba
Grade 4 - Blast into the Past!
Grade 5 - Citizenship: Then and Now
Grade 6 - It’s All Over Now, Even the Shouting
Grade 8 - Manufacturing, Machines, and Migration
The Manitoba Historical Society Dalnavert Museum gratefully acknowledges The Winnipeg Foundation’s generous support for this program.
See here for information on birthday parties at Dalnavert.
Dalnavert is pleased to offer an individual discount rate for seniors. Enjoy the charm and nostalgia of the Museum, or browse the Gift Shop in our Visitors’ Centre with its sweeping views of the Museum and our gardens.
While our Visitors’ Centre is fully accessible to all, Dalnavert Museum has a number of stairs that may be a challenge to some. Please inform us of any special needs when you call.
To meet the needs of visitors with accessibility issues, we are happy to introduce a new summer program: Lady Mac’s Tea Party. Please contact Jennifer Bisch, Chief Program Officer and Curator for more information and to arrange a booking.
Page revised: 18 June 2014
