Cultural Precinct

Step outside the museum and into a living landscape, one of the first native plant gardens on the West Coast of North America. Designed in 1968, this visionary space surrounds the museum with more than 400 species of plants native to British Columbia—many traditionally used by Indigenous communities for food, medicine, and ceremony. 

From camas meadows once harvested by the Coast Salish to rare sand dune and wetland species, each bed reflects a unique habitat: Coastal Forest, Dry Interior, Alpine, and more. 

Best seen in spring and early summer, this living landscape invites you to explore the natural and cultural roots of British Columbia—right outside the museum doors. 

Rising above the Inner Harbour, the Netherlands Centennial Carillon adds a powerful voice to Victoria’s soundscape. Gifted by BC’s Dutch community in 1967 to mark Canada’s centennial, the 27-metre (90 foot) tower houses 62 bronze bells—making it the largest carillon in Canada. 

Several bells are tuned to commemorate key moments in BC’s and Canada’s history—from the founding of the colonies to Confederation and the liberation of the Netherlands in WWII. 

You can hear the carillon ring out seasonal tunes on the hour: 

• 10 am–5 pm (October–March) 
• 10 am–8 pm (April–September) 

During special times of the year, the Provincial Carillonneur, Rosemary Laing, plays at a wooden clavier keyboard high in the tower. Each bell is struck by hand and foot to create rich, resonant melodies. 

Helmcken House

Step inside one of British Columbia’s oldest surviving homes, still standing on its original site. Built in 1852 by Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken—a surgeon with the Hudson’s Bay Company and son-in-law of Governor James Douglas—this modest house offers a rare glimpse into colonial life in early Victoria. 

Helmcken would go on to help shape the province’s future, playing a key role in BC’s entry into Confederation.  

Check the events page for opening hours. Helmcken House is typically open during July and August, the weekends in December and other special events throughout the year. 

St. Ann’s Schoolhouse

Tucked behind Helmcken House is one of Victoria’s oldest buildings—St. Ann’s Schoolhouse. Built in 1844 by carpenter Jacques Lequechier in the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Red River style, it served first as a residence, then as one of the city’s earliest classrooms. 

In 1858, four Sisters of St. Ann arrived from Quebec and began teaching here. The schoolhouse became both home and classroom, a place where children in the growing colony received their formal education. 

In 1974, the building was relocated to its current site and gifted to the Royal BC Museum by the Sisters. 

While the building is not open to the public, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds and view the schoolhouse from the outside.