Discover the fascinating shared history of Ukrainian-Canadians at this dedicated historical museum. The Ukrainian Museum of Canada in Saskatoon was the first of its kind and now has four branches around the country. Visit the museum to see historical artifacts, arts and crafts and a large collection of photographs.
Between 1891 and 1941 more than 170,000 Ukrainian migrants relocated to Canada. Since 1936 the museum has been committed to exhibiting the culture of Ukrainian migrants in Canada, and exploring the trials and tribulations of moving to a new land. The not-for-profit museum has relied on generous donations from the community since opening and today is considered one Saskatoon’s most important cultural institutions.
Learn about the tight-knit communities that evolved during the migration process, and the traditions that were brought across the Atlantic, in the permanent exhibition spaces of the museums. Look through the vast collection of historic photographs, see traditional clothing and costumes and explore one of the largest collections of ethnic textiles in Canada.
A special exhibition highlights the plight of Ukrainian migrants in Canada during World War I, when thousands were detained as so-called “enemy aliens” in internment camps.
A contemporary art gallery sits alongside the historical museum, showing work from the Ukrainian community in the area. Among these is a selection of William Kurelek paintings that depict the female pioneers of the region.
Browse the museum’s gift shop to find unique souvenirs such as traditional Ukrainian cookbooks, locally made crafts, embroidered linen and delicately painted wooden eggs, known as pysanka. The selection takes on a festive theme during the Christmas season.
The Ukrainian Museum of Canada is located in central Saskatoon and can be reached on foot or by car or bus. Street parking is widely available in the area. The museum is closed Mondays and both Canadian and Ukrainian holidays. There is a modest fee for admission.
