Thanks to funding from the City of Victoria Cultural Infrastructure Grant and the BC Rehab Foundation Project Grant, experiencing the Maritime Museum of British Columbia’s exhibits, programs, and gift shop is now more accessible.
Currently operating out of a 2,000-square-foot gallery and 1,000-square-foot office at 744 Douglas Street, downtown Victoria, with collections storage in Saanich, the MMBC upgraded the former storefronts since its 2021 move-in with open-plan exhibits, interactive programs areas, and a front desk with roll-in room. A significant barrier to access remained: the heavy entrance and office doors.
Grant funding was key to installing push-button door openers on either side of both doors, to improve public and internal access to the gallery and office spaces.
Newly accessible doors at the Maritime Museum of BC, tested out by Volunteer and Visitor Centre Coordinator James Coates.
About the Accessible Door Project
“After three rounds of accessibility audits on the space, we have incredibly detailed qualitative data and clear guidance on what visitors, volunteers, and staff need to access the museum,” said Lauren Jackson, the Schools and Public Programs Manager, “audits by SPARCBC, Lifetime Networks, and an individual auditor all identified the heavy front and office doors as major barriers.”
The public gallery has steady admissions year-round, and three planned exhibits this year will bring many locals and visitors into the museum. Feature exhibits are open seven days a week from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Ongoing programs every weekend welcome participants: Museum Tots and Creative Workshops on Saturdays, Sensory Hours and Salty Sundays on Sundays, and school programs throughout the week. Improving public access “is a priority for us, for the City of Victoria and for the BC Rehab Foundation,” said Jackson, “and we are so grateful for infrastructure-focused grants to make needed changes to the space.”
Exhibits and Collections Manager Heather Feeney is happy that both the public and office spaces of the museum were acknowledged by the City of Victoria and the BC Rehab Foundation: “Making the museum more accessible includes researchers who visit our office space, and the many volunteers and staff who benefit from an accessible workspace.”
Jackson added that there are always more changes to make: “This project opens doors, literally, and the support of the City of Victoria and the BC Rehab Foundation points to the importance of continually assessing how our cultural spaces in Victoria can become more accessible for everyone.”


This accessibility upgrade project was funded by the City of Victoria and the BC Rehab Foundation.
Accessibility at the MMBC
Information about parking, admissions, discounts, accessibility, and frequently asked questions are on the MMBC’s website, to help you plan your visit. You might not know that the Museum is free for designated aides, pet-friendly, photo-friendly (just watch that flash!), and keeps your admission valid for 24 hours after you purchase it if you run out of time in one visit. Important information about washroom facilities is also on this page: the museum has a single-stall gender-inclusive guest washroom large enough for a standard wheelchair, but not a motorized wheelchair.
For visitors who prefer a quiet and subdued environment, Sundays from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM are Sensory Hours. Enjoy low-volume surroundings, dimmed lighting, and a scent-free atmosphere. These dedicated hours provide an inclusive experience for all, ensuring everyone can engage with exhibits comfortably.
Outside of designated Sensory Hours, there are options for visitors to address sensory needs. MMBC offers Sensory Kits to visitors anytime during opening hours for use in the museum space. These kits can be signed out at the front desk and contain:
- A weighted stuffed octopus
- A wiggle seat
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Sunglasses
- Two fidgets
Many visitors appreciate a social narrative of spaces they plan to visit; a Social Story outlines sensory and learning situations and options in a narrative format. Our Social Story is available online as a PDF and at the front desk as a printed copy.
Information for the Public
Current Exhibit: Pacific in Peril: Climate Change, the Warming Ocean, and How to Turn the Tide
Location: 744 Douglas Street
Hours of Operation: Seven Days A Week, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Admission Rates:
- Adult – $10.00
- Senior/Student – $8.00
- Youth (12-17) – $5.00
- Child (under 12) – Free
- Designated aide – Free
See upcoming programs and events: https://mmbc.bc.ca/events/