Nova Scotia Museum of Industry

Nova Scotia Museum of Industry

Nova Scotia Museum of Industry
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
BE SURPRISED HOW MUCH FUN YOU’LL HAVE! Come explore how Nova Scotians worked, what we made and the tools we used. Wander through large exhibit galleries filled with mysterious artifacts. Hear the sounds of machines, watch them move during our demonstrations, and learn what they did. Remember old-fashioned pop bottles, pressed glass and wringer washers? You can reminisce as you discover objects like those that once were found in your family home. The British Industrial Revolution came to Nova Scotia in 1827 with the technology, skilled coal miners and money to establish an industry right here on our site and this transformed Nova Scotia. Learn more about the rich history that made us a National Historic Site. The children will love our Kids’ Train, pump-ups and other adventures that await them throughout the exhibits. Bilingual Exhibits * Free Parking * Gift Shop * Open year-round Free Wi-Fi
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles96 reviews
Excellent
73
Very good
19
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0

J W
New Glasgow, Canada34 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Couples
We now live in New Glasgow and visited the museum during some down time, absolutely fascinating look into the industrial history and heritage of Nova Scotia. It is well worth a visit and you can easily spend a few hours here. The museum has a nice gift shop with very varied selection of reading materials. Only down side no cafe on site but all the usual and few independent eateries are nearby.
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you for visiting the Museum of Industry and taking the time to provide a review. It would be convenient to have an onsite café, but there are so many great eateries close by. Did you know we now offer an annual pass? Valid for one year from date of purchase, unlimited visits that also includes 15% of Museum Shop purchases. Adult $24.95 Family $42.50. Hope you visit again soon. Warm regard, Denise
Written January 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Heather A
British Columbia, Canada297 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
From our visit yesterday we learned a lot about the diversity of industries in Nova Scotia through the years as well as currently. This museum is built on the site of a former foundry. Some of the industries depicted we knew had been in Nova Scotia and some were a surprise to us -- coal mining, farming, lumber, vehicles, assembly lines, steel, cast iron, chocolates, glassware, textiles, medical research, technology. There wasn't as much about fishing as I had thought there would be.

There were lots of hands on displays that would be of interest to children -- from the very young to almost teenagers.

Our (now adult) son remembers more about our visit here 25 years ago than we do. That is saying something about its appeal to children!
Written August 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the exhibits and found our staff helpful. We’re especially touched by your mention of your son’s memories from 25 years ago. It truly means a lot to us that our museum has made a lasting impression across generations. We hope to welcome you and your family back again soon!
Written November 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sam B
South Carolina350 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
REALLY enjoyed this museum!! While we were there Phil gave a demonstration in the machine shop which was very interesting. The machine shop had been a part of the operations from one of the nearby mines. Later, we ran into Phil again, and he demonstrated the "Samson" locomotive for us. These were amazing machines that operated for over 120 years before they were retired. Lots of other industrial exhibits as well. Great for kids to see how old technology worked.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your enthusiastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you REALLY enjoyed your visit to our museum. It’s fantastic that Paul’s demonstrations in the machine shop and with the “Samson” locomotive added to your experience. These historical machines truly are remarkable, and we’re glad you found them interesting.
Written November 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

maritimer_11
Lower Sackville, Canada134 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
What a great experience touring this museum! We spent about 3 hours going through all of the exhibits and all of the staff were so friendly and helpful. You can easily see how proud they are to work there and how much they want to share this part of history. Paul did a presentation of the machine shop which included running each of the machines. He is very knowledgeable and so eager to answer all of our questions. Thank you for an interesting and enlightening afternoon.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paul
Halifax Regional Municipality, Canada23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
Try out and have fun at the water pumping station! View the large works of steel. Cute display for kids. One may spend hours here if one reads everything. Nice art gallery near the end. Then had a nice picnic outside on a table on the grounds on a summer day with a light breeze.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lindsay L
40 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Family
What a great time we had at this museum. Lots of interactive displays for the kids and adults alike. So much history to learn. Thank you to Paul who walked us through the Coal and Grit display and shared a lot of information with us! We will be back to see the Mastodon exhibit!
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the exhibits and found our staff helpful. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Written November 7, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Wanda P
Warrenton, VA61 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2017
This type of museum rarely interests me, however; this is a fascinating place full of machines and technology. Make sure to allow plenty of time with Paul as he explains coal mining in this area. He has first hand knowledge of the mines and how they impacted the development of the area. He is a gifted story teller and makes the trip to hear about coal well worth it.
Written October 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heather E
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Family
Kids said “awwww, we don’t want to go to a MUSEUM!” But within minutes through the door they were fully engaged and interested in everything they were seeing! The interpreters were great- patient, knowledgeable and really fantastic with the kids! There was tons of hands on activities and not too much reading for us adults (just enough information to take it in- and not overdone!)! Loved it from start to finish! Thank you- a wonderful hidden gem!
Written July 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review!
Written September 18, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mkrause247
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2018 • Friends
The displays alone in the museum are interesting enough, but if you get the chance to hear Interpreter Paul speak about the mining history of the area and give demonstrations of the belt driven equiptment, jump on it. He is very knowledgeable and an amazing story teller. I have been to the museum twice now with family when they come to visit and I will continue to bring our visitors there. Thanks for the awesome time!
Written May 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Megan for the great review! Paul is very passionate about our local history.
Written September 18, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

lauraGTyneside
Tyneside33 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2017 • Couples
We came across this museum by chance ....it was a very wet day and we had time to kill before making our way to the airport for our flight back to the UK.
What a find! Being from the North East of England with its history of mining and steam engines we were amazed at the connections and similarities. The helpful lady on the admissions desk must have told other staff as a very enthusiastic member of staff sought us out to talk about our heritage. He was thrilled that we had been to the Locomotion Museum at Shildon where Timothy Hackworth worked and where Samson would have been made. We described our local area where there were numerous mines and also the " living museum at Beamish" where a pit village has been recreated . I wish I had caught his name ....I think he is hoping for a working holiday to the North East.
As to the rest of the museum ...I imagine children will love it : so many hands on things to experience .
The only thing lacking was a cup of coffee afterwards but we were directed to a local Tim Horton's
Written September 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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NOVA SCOTIA MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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