Royal Saskatchewan Museum
Saskatchewan
The Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM), located in Regina, Saskatchewan, is Canada's oldest provincial museum in the Prairie region, founded in 1906. It serves as a premier natural history museum preserving extensive collections of fossils, plants, animals, and Indigenous artifacts. The museum's architecture, opened in 1955, features a distinctive angled design on a large lawn, situated on the historic site of the former Chateau Qu'Appelle Hotel. Key galleries include the Earth Sciences Gallery, showcasing Saskatchewan's geological history and mineral wealth, and the CN T. rex Gallery, home to Scotty, the world's largest Tyrannosaurus rex cast discovered locally. The First Nations Gallery highlights over 10,000 years of Indigenous culture through collaborative exhibits with Indigenous communities. The Life Sciences Gallery presents detailed dioramas illustrating Saskatchewan's diverse ecosystems and wildlife. The museum's collection exceeds 3.5 million items, supporting ongoing research and education. Additionally, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum operates the T. rex Discovery Centre in Eastend, furthering its paleontological research and public outreach. The museum is a cultural and scientific hub celebrating the natural and human history of Saskatchewan.
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Tip: Plan your visit during weekdays or outside peak holiday seasons for a quieter experience. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for group visits and school programs. The museum offers discounts for seniors, students, and children. Check the official website for current exhibition schedules and special events. Guided tours and educational resources enhance the visit, making it ideal for families and school groups.
Interesting facts
- •The Royal Saskatchewan Museum was the first provincial museum established in the Prairie provinces of Canada.
- •Scotty, the T. rex cast displayed at the museum, is the largest Tyrannosaurus rex specimen ever discovered worldwide.
- •The museum's collection includes over 3.5 million items, ranging from fossils and insects to Indigenous artifacts and plants.
- •The museum building was constructed on the site of the abandoned Chateau Qu'Appelle Hotel and was designed at an angle to preserve existing pilings.
- •The First Nations Gallery was developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders and community members to authentically represent Indigenous cultures over 10,000 years.
History
Founded in 1906 as the Saskatchewan Museum of Natural History, the institution initially occupied various buildings in Regina before settling in its current building in 1955, constructed as part of Saskatchewan's Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The museum sustained significant collection losses during the 1912 Regina Cyclone and suffered fire damage in 1990, which led to a temporary closure and subsequent revitalization.
In 1993, the museum received royal patronage from Queen Elizabeth II, gaining its current name.
Over the decades, it expanded its galleries and collections, including acquiring the T.
rex Discovery Centre in 2013 to enhance its paleontological exhibits.
Place Guide
Earth Sciences Gallery
This gallery explores Saskatchewan's geological history, from the formation of the Earth to its rich mineral resources and prehistoric life, including dinosaurs and extinct creatures spanning two billion years.
CN T. rex Gallery2019
Home to Scotty, the world's largest T. rex cast discovered in Saskatchewan's Frenchman River Valley. The gallery showcases the dinosaur's injuries and the flora and fauna that coexisted during its time.
First Nations Gallery1993
Opened in 1993, this gallery presents the culture, traditions, treaties, and communities of Saskatchewan's Indigenous peoples over the past 10,000 years, developed collaboratively with Indigenous Elders and community members.
Life Sciences Gallery2001
Showcasing sixteen detailed life-size dioramas, this gallery illustrates Saskatchewan's ecoregions and seasonal changes, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life forms within the province's landscapes.
Contact
Phone: (306) 787-2815
