What’s better than going to a Museum when you’re in a new city? How about going to a Museum after hours for a themed night where you can explore, engage in activities, and enjoy music and some drinks! If you’re looking for a fun date night out or to get together with your friends, check out Nature Nocturne at the Museum of Nature in Ottawa. It’s held the last Friday of every month, with a new theme!
I came to visit when the theme of the night was The Deep Blue – an ocean-inspired evening. There were activities all around the museum that had an ocean feel – live sea stars, seaweed tasting, and a giant jellyfish like you can see above. I definitely felt the theme all around the museum, which made it feel like much more than just a museum – it was an experience. A lot of people also dressed up for the occasion – I saw a ton of people dressed up as mermaids, pirates, and even sea creatures!
There are so many permanent galleries to see – Fossils, Water, Earth, Nature, Mammal, Bird, & the Canada Goose Arctic gallery. My personal favourite was the Fossil gallery – I really love to see dinosaurs and their skeletons! It’s insane to see just how BIG or small these animals were. There was a huge whale skeleton in the Water Gallery and it’s just amazing to see how big they can grow. I could literally fit inside the stomach of the whale, standing up!
Along with all the galleries, there are areas in the museum to grab drinks and take part in some of the activities. In one area, we grabbed a drink and watched an acrobatics show, then we got to dress up as mermaids (as you can see above – my boyfriend’s a real sport haha). There was also a VIP lounge where you can get bottle service and food in your own private area overlooking a dance floor. There were three separate dance areas playing different music, where you’re bound to like something.
You can visit Nature Nocturne at the Museum of Nature for yourself on the last Friday of every month for only $25 CDN.