Welcome to the Canadian Museum of Health Care!
Canada’s premier health care museum with over 35,000 medical artifacts
About Us
The story of health care in Canada is one of resilience, innovation, and the human drive to ease pain, treat disease, and promote well-being. Founded in 1991, the Canadian Museum of Health Care preserves this rich legacy by collecting, studying, and sharing the country’s medical history. Today, we are home to the largest medical collections in the country — approximately 35,000 artifacts that illustrate the evolution of health care in Canada.
Housed in the historic Ann Baillie Building—a 1904 former residence for nursing students—the Canadian Museum of Health Care invites visitors to explore the lived experiences of patients and caregivers across generations, offering valuable context and insight into today’s health care challenges.
A Fantastical March Break
March of the Museums at the Canadian Museum of Health Care
From March 16th to 20th, visit the Museum for free as part of Kingston & Area Association of Museums, Art Galleries & Historic Sites’ March of the Museums.
Enjoy an exclusive first look at our newly renovated Children’s Gallery, featuring brand new interactives and activities for families! Inspired by our temporary exhibit, “A Fantastical Medical Bestiary,” you can build a flying dragon, a sparkling unicorn, or an enchanting mermaid. Then, mix your own mythological “cure” based on your creation.
On Monday March 16th at 1pm, join Professor Daryn Lehoux, Head of the Department of Classics & Archaeology at Queen’s University, for a presentation on ancient understandings of the natural world.
Learn more about March of the Museums at: www.kingstonmuseums.ca/march-museums
Explore the Museum
What’s On?
Visit our new temporary exhibit, "A Fantastical Medical Bestiary," which explores how ideas about animals have intersected with healing traditions through history. Special thanks to the W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections, Queen's University Library.
Collections
The Canadian Museum of Health Care is home to the largest medical collection in the country, consisting of approximately 35,000 artifacts, from surgical tools to laboratory instruments, that bring to life the story of medical care from the 1750s to the present day.
Programs
We offer engaging educational programs for learners of all ages that bring Canada’s health care story to life. Whether you choose to participate in an onsite program or book a guided tour for your group, the Museum of Health Care provides an inspiring experience tailored to you.
Plan Your Visit
HOURS OF OPERATION
Summer Hours (June to August)
Monday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
September to May Hours
Monday–Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Land Acknowledgement
The Canadian Museum of Health Care acknowledges that it sits on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy and the Huron-Wendat Peoples, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship of this land.
The Canadian Museum of Health Care thanks the following organizations for their generous support:
