On the second floor are two galleries featuring rotating displays from the Museum’s permanent collection, and travelling exhibits of all descriptions.
Main Galleries
The Thunder Bay Art Society Presents: The Heritage Art Project
28 July 2026 – March 2027
In their first official group exhibition, seventeen members of the Thunder Bay Art Society spotlight heritage buildings across the city, showcasing our shared place through art and history. Alongside each painting is an accompanying archival image, history, and notable architectural features of each building. We invite you to take a look for yourself. Which buildings do you recognize, and which ones are new to you?
Image: Linda Dell – Main Lighthouse Thunder Bay (2026)
Small Scale: Tall Tale
10 March – 11 October, 2026
This exhibit features a substantial collection of model ships through which we explore the rich maritime history of Lake Superior and beyond. These models come in all shapes and sizes, from canoes and fur-trade vessels to tugs, freighters and naval ships, primarily from the Museum’s own collection, but also featuring several models on-loan from other individuals and institutions. The exhibit discusses the history and significance and history of ship modelling, and also highlights the Lakehead’s shipbuilding history.
Additional Galleries
En Plein Air: Silver Islet Village and Mine
December 9, 2025 – March 22, 2026
Organized by local artist Irene Warmenhoven, a group of artists gathered to participate in a second iteration of Irene’s “En Plein Air” painting workshop, this time in the former mining community of Silver Islet. Featured in this display are the works of 14 artists who attended the workshop.
