The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) is one of Winnipeg’s newest premium attractions, located on the grounds of James Richardson International Airport, and a fear of flying doesn’t preclude you from visiting!
What started from humble beginnings in the basements of some very passionate collectors, the RAMWC is now one of the largest aviation heritage collections in Canada and is filled with interactive experiences and inspirational storytelling.
For more than 40 years, the organization’s team has been curating a large collection of more than 90 historic aircraft and 70,000 artifacts, texts and photographs. The museum is decorated with a total of 22 aircraft—some of the largest artifacts you’ll ever see—and the planes are presented in unique ways. Some are dangled from the ceiling and others on raised platforms in 14 immersive galleries. Some vessels were used for passengers, some for war, others for delivering mail and some with buoyant feet for landing on water.
It is truly wondrous to see the constellation of artifacts delicately arranged in the massive space, and chances are you won't feel this small again. Peer at the small doors and handles and look up at the suspended machines to gaze at their steel bellies spotted with bolts and screws. And check out the crazy-early helicopter that’s displayed with a quotation about the harrowing blade sounds.
RAMWC is one of only six ‘Royal’ museums in Canada, a designation received in 2014 by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which recognized the team’s hard work in preserving the legends that aided in shaping the nation we know today.
To experience the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is to experience lifetimes of air travel. It’s also a way to feel connected to the flashes of brilliance and daring that contributed to Canada’s innovation timeline.
Whether through the echoes of flight, the pulse of the passion for history or the chatter amongst the museum guides—this museum provides plenty of throttle and lift for groups of all ages.
Amenities:
- Building: The museum was designed by Architecture49 and Reitch + Petch Architects and built by PCL Construction. At 86,000 square feet, RAMWC houses 20+ aircraft, 14 galleries, meeting rooms, classrooms, a boutique gift shop, an observation lounge overlooking active runways and more.
- Facility rentals: With a variety of meeting and event spaces, the Museum is a unique and welcoming space in which to host an event. Experienced in-house events professionals can help create and carry out events from small meetings to conferences. The catering kitchen is equipped to accommodate all cuisines and banquet styles. For info on spaces: https://royalaviationmuseum.com/bookings-rentals/e...
- School programs: School programs are two hours including a one-hour classroom/activity and a one-hour tour. The lunchroom is available before or after programming, by arrangement. A full day (10 am – 2 pm) includes two programs, the use of the lunchroom and a scavenger hunt.
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The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. For visitor information, click here.
