From hands-on crafts and interactive exhibits to theatrical tours and movie nights, The Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA) provides a welcoming space for families, individuals and community members to connect, learn and enjoy enriching experiences every day.
Are you in search of a great family activity this summer? MONOVA offers a dynamic range of activities and programs designed to engage visitors of all ages, many of which are free or low-cost.
Create & Connect Series: Monthly family fun
One of the many standout initiatives at MONOVA is the Create & Connect Series, held on the last Sunday of every month. Sponsored by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, this event is designed to be accessible to all, with a pay-what-you-can model.
"Create & Connect is a family-friendly afternoon packed with fun activities for all ages and abilities,” describes Pamela Roberts, manager of business operations at MONOVA. “The monthly event often includes some crafty activities, a visiting maker, and lots of hands-on fun.”
June is Indigenous History Month in Canada, recognizing the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The Create and Connect Program will celebrate Indigenous History Month on June 30th. Activities include canvas painting with MONOVA’s Indigenous Cultural Programmers and a carving demonstration with renowned Squamish Nation carver, Art Harry. Support from sponsors like the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is crucial in making these programs accessible.
"Sponsorships like this make such a big difference because we can offer these exhibits for free or by donation with their support," Roberts says. “We invite our whole community to join us in celebrating this important occasion.”
Shipyard Pals Program: Bringing history to life
On May 26, MONOVA will launch its annual Shipyard Pals Program. This free theatrical walking tour explores the rich history of North Vancouver's shipyards. Characters Shipyard Sal and Shipyard Sue, created from anecdotal histories of the North Shore, guide participants through The Shipyards, highlighting the stories of diverse shipyard workers at the Burrard Drydock during World War II.
"Shipyard Pals sing and dance, making the tours very interactive and fun," Roberts explains. "It's a pretty amazing opportunity to come and learn about the history of the shipyard area, which is thriving now but has such an interesting historical journey."
Shipyard Pals is sponsored this year by Seaspan, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and the City of North Vancouver. Tours are FREE and start at the museum reception desk.
Movies at MONOVA: Celebrating Chief Dan George
MONOVA also offers free movie nights through its Museum Flix series. The next event, on Thursday, May 30, 2024, features a screening of "The Outlaw Josey Wales" in honour of Chief Dan George, an actor and important Indigenous leader in the area.
"It's a free activity for families looking to do something over the spring," says Roberts.
Popcorn and pop are available by donation, making it a fun and accessible evening out.
Engaging exhibits and activities in North Vancouver
In addition to these special programs, MONOVA hosts various family-friendly exhibits and activities in its main gallery. The ongoing Agents of Change exhibition continues to draw interest, offering engaging insights into local history and culture.
MONOVA aims to be more than just a museum; it strives to be a community hub where everyone feels welcome.
"Museums play such a key role in helping people connect with the land we’re on," Roberts says.
"For newcomers to North Van, the museum is also a place to find out about their new neighbourhoods and feel that sense of belonging."
To learn more and plan your visit today, visit monova.ca.
