The Rooms is the cultural heart of Newfoundland and Labrador, a single building on the hill above downtown that holds the provincial museum, the provincial art gallery and the provincial archives. Its name and its stacked, boxy shape recall the fishing rooms, the wooden buildings where families once processed their catch, and the large windows frame views of the harbour and the Narrows. Inside, the museum covers the natural and human history of the province, from Indigenous peoples and the Beothuk to the fishery, the Newfoundland Regiment and modern life, while the gallery shows contemporary and historic art from the province and beyond. Exhibitions change regularly, so it is worth checking what is on. The Rooms is open year-round, closes on Mondays and on several holidays, and keeps late hours on Wednesday and Friday evenings, which makes it easy to fit in around other plans.
What to do
Start with the permanent museum galleries to get your bearings on the province's story, then spend time in the art gallery, where local artists are given real prominence. The upper-floor windows give some of the best views of the harbour in the city, so leave time simply to look out. There is a cafe on site for a break between galleries.
Practical planning
The posted hours are noon to 5 pm on Sunday, closed on Monday, 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and 10 am to 9 pm on Wednesday and Friday. The Rooms is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and Good Friday, with shortened hours on some other holidays.
Parking nearby is paid by the hour, so walking up from downtown is a good alternative if you are comfortable with the hill. Check the venue's site for current admission and exhibitions before you go.
Fitting it in
Allow about two hours for a good look, or half a day if you enjoy museums. It is a strong choice for bad weather, and the Wednesday and Friday late openings suit travellers who spend the day outdoors. It pairs well with the downtown walking tour and a coffee on Water Street.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a museum, art gallery and archives in one building, with changing exhibitions.
Best time
A rainy day or any afternoon; late openings on Wednesday and Friday evenings suit travellers with busy days.
How long
Allow about two hours, or longer if you enjoy reading exhibits.
Tips
Check the posted hours because the museum is closed on Mondays, and check current admission and exhibitions on the venue's site.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the story of Newfoundland and Labrador told well, with harbour views.
- Families
- Families can pick galleries to suit children; the cafe and open spaces make breaks easy.
- Couples
- Go on a Wednesday or Friday evening for late hours and the view at dusk.
- Pair with
- The downtown walking tour, Signal Hill and a coffee on Water Street.
- Time needed
- About two hours.
Good questions
What is inside The Rooms?+
It houses the provincial museum, the provincial art gallery and the provincial archives in one building. Exhibitions change, so check what is on.
What are the opening hours?+
It opens noon to 5 pm on Sunday, closes on Monday, runs 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and 10 am to 9 pm on Wednesday and Friday. It also closes on a number of holidays, so check before you visit.
Is there parking?+
There are visitor lots and on-street parking nearby, with fees charged by the hour. You can also walk up from downtown.
Is it good for a rainy day?+
Yes, it is one of the best indoor choices in the city, with enough to fill a couple of hours and a cafe on site.
How much does it cost?+
Admission is set by the venue and is listed on its admission page. Check the venue's site for current prices and any free days.
