Winnipeg’s Best Cultural Centres

Housed in the gorgeous historical CP Rail station, the centre is a gathering place and community resource for Winnipeg’s Indigenous community. Resources include a day care, community campus, and health and wellness centre, as well as the headquarters for the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. Stop by to visit the Canadian Plains art gallery, which showcases paintings, carvings, jewellery, sculptures, quill work, beading, birch bark biting and more made by local Indigenous artists.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm (gallery).
Location: 181  Higgins Ave, 204-989‑6605.

Located on Provencher Boulevard in the city’s French Quarter, this cultural centre houses historical and genealogical resources on the province’s French-Canadian and Métis population, as well as an art gallery, restaurant and performance area. CCFM is well-known for its arts programming, including French language entries in the annual Thin Air Writer’s Festival, music performances by French-Canadian artists, and Mardi Jazz, a weekly showcase of local musicians favoured by Winnipeg’s jazz community.

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-11 pm, Sat 9 am-5 pm.
Admission: Free.
Location: 340  Provencher Blvd, 204-233‑8972, ccfm.mb.ca

This dramatic building designed by renowned architect Douglas Cardinal is a retreat for Aboriginal spirituality and cultural growth. Its circular footprint features entrances at each of the cardinal directions, and its roof curves upward into a shape meant to evoke the Thunderbird, a significant symbol in Indigenous myth. The centre offers programs that connect people with Aboriginal life including dinners, crafts and storytelling.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm.
Location: 715 Main St and Higgins Ave, 204-940‑4240

The Marion and Ed Vickar Jewish Museum is the first of its kind in Canada and showcases rotating exhibits. Also houses the Genealogical Institute, The Jewish Historical Society Archives and the Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre, which features a permanent exhibit of photographs, original documents and artifacts donated by Manitoba survivors and their families. The museum is located at the Asper Jewish Community Campus.

Hours: Mon-Thu 9 am-4 pm.
Admission: Free.
Location: 123  Doncaster St, 204-477‑7460, jhcwc.org

Winnipeg has a large Ukrainian population, and Oseredok celebrates this heritage with the largest collection of Ukrainian cultural and historical artifacts in North America. The centre houses a museum featuring interpretive exhibits that examine the diversity of the Ukrainian experience in Canada. There is also a library, art gallery, archives and boutique. Stop by the gift shop to pick up charming souvenirs like pysanky earrings and colourful embroidery.

Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm.
Admission: Free.
Location: 184  Alexander Ave E, 204‑942‑0218

The city’s historic Chinatown is home to the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural Centre, located within the impressive Dynasty Building. Surrounded by a beautiful garden display, the building features Chinese accents like upward sweeping rooftops blended with Manitoba touches, like the use of local Tyndall stone. The centre offers special interest classes like language lessons, calligraphy, folk dancing and cooking and hosts Chinese community and cultural celebrations.

Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9 am-5 pm, Tue & Thur 9 am-9 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1 pm-5 pm
Admission: Visit website for information on membership costs.
Location: 180  King St, 204-943‑2627