surrey museum

Great little museum packed with Canadian history. I took my grandchildren here in 2013 when they were 8 and they loved it. When we first got there they weren't sure due to it being small, but gave me the thumbs up afterwards by saying how interesting and fun it was. It's local history, the changing of times..old cars, old buggies, a lot of early Canadian historical items, settlers to recent. Yes, it's small, but well worth a visit. They usually have a special exhibit as well and do offer guides. If you stop and just look, they really have put a lot of effort into including many many items into their collections. A great family outing destination.

Went there with the grandparents, children and my nieces. Overall we had good afternoon, but going in a large group was like herding kittens, so not as enjoyable for me....kids enjoyed the free crafts.

View by donation so you can't really complain. On the small side, but interesting non the less. Not sure if they have guides at certain times that might have been more helpful.

A very nice Museum. We really enjoyed the 'fakes and real artifacts' display. There was also a large display of local historical materials.

Went with a 3 year old and a 7 year old and we all had a very good time. We did go on a special day when they had crafts for the kids and that made it especially fun but I think the kids would like it even without the crafts. Go to the front desk and they give scavenger hunt sheets to the kids for their visit. We saw the birds exhibit and it was very interesting and they have a little theatre as well so if you get tired of walking (not really that much walking involved but if you are walking around town it would be a great place to rest). Everyone we meet who worked there was very helpfunl and upbeat.

The display of Lego was exciting for my grandkids (5 & 9) We all enjoyed that display and the rest of the museum. The kids enjoyed seeing 'old stuff' from years ago. Good way to spend an hour or two. Donation is appreciated.

The Surrey Museum is a great place to bring the family, especially the younger ones. There are areas where they can get into the hands-on displays which is good for them to learn. Lots to see here on the 2 floors of displays. This is not your usual boring museum, but is very new and nice. No food here, but lots in the area close by. Log cabin outside as well. Interesting things for the whole family...at a great price...free! There is a donation box to help keep my taxes from going up!

If you are expecting the usual small, dark, dusty community museum, you will be pleasantly surprised by this modern facility.There is plenty of free parking, you enter a large open foyer and you will be greeted by friendly staff to provide you with directions and suggestions. It isn't a huge museum but there is plenty to see. On the ground floor there is a lovely theatre where you can watch films or an orientation to the temporary exhibits. There are both stairs and an elevator to the second floor where the exhibit hall is located. The facility is accessible for wheelchairs or for parents with kiddies in strollers.The history galleries present the story of the City of Surrey. The displays are interactive with models, stories to listen to, and objects and pictures displayed at all levels within the space. A billboard of historic photographs is particularly interesting (look up!) and the large models of town centre planning areas are worth a close look.The temporary display gallery is adjacent to the history displays. There was an exhibit about interurban trains on my recent visit. There have been exhibits on fashion history and Lego on previous visits. The temporary exhibits change 3-4 times a year.On the same floor there is a weaving studio where volunteers offer demonstrations. The museum has a large collection of historical woven textiles created by or collected by a local master weaver. You are welcome to browse in the textile library and there are samples of the collection stored in a large unit of drawers.There are activity rooms on the gallery level and also off of the main floor foyer, There are usually craft activities available for visitors. Family groups are often keen on these areas and the children really get involved. However, groups of seniors and also "red hat" ladies seem to participate too.The museum does not have a gift shop or a cafe area. However, it is located in the small town centre of Cloverdale and there is a Starbucks and a Tim Horton within a block and a several restaurants and pubs are located nearby within walking distance.The museum grounds are also worth a wander once you have seen the displays inside. There is a pioneer log cabin furnished to depict the early settlement era, there is a large plaza with the community cenotaph, the City Archives is located beside the Museum and you are welcome to come in to look at historical photographs and their large collection of maps. There is also a library of local books and directories that you can browse. The community library is beside the Archives and it houses the genealogy collection. These two facilities are destinations for serious researchers. The plaza and outdoor spaces host activities and community programs. The annual remembrance day ceremonies and some community festivals attract large crowds!The entire site makes a great destination a nice family day outing or a place to take out of town visitors. All ages enjoy the exhibits and the local community in interesting because of some historical buildings and a quaint commercial area. Admission is FREE and so this museum is a great place to visit on a rainy day or a sunny day. There is a place to leave a donation if you are inclined.