Step inside this museum, and you will feel the passion of its founders. Investigate artifacts from the South African War, World War I and World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and contemporary military operations. The Okanagan Military Museum is devoted to the preservation and greater awareness of Okanagan military heritage, and reveals how locals contributed to events on the world stage.
Hours
| Wednesday – Saturday |  10:00am – 5:00pm |
| Sunday – Tuesday | Closed |
Special Hours
| Wednesday August 7 - Saturday, August 10 | Â Closed |
ADMISSION
Admission is by donation.
Suggested donation $5 per person/$15 per family
Vince Bezeau Military Library and Archives
Located at the Okanagan Military Museum
Want to learn more?
Visit our Okanagan Military History website for information and articles from our military historians.
Feature Exhibit
In the Line of Duty: WWII Service Stories
Starting July 17, 2024
Okanagan Military Museum
A look back at the experiences of three local people and their military service around the world.​
As we approach the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, we look back at the unique experiences of three local people and their wartime service – Major General Rodney F.L. Keller, Sergeant Hikaru ‘Chic’ Mori and Lieutenant Nursing Sister Dorothy MacBean (nee Mitchell).
Their stories provide insights into the war’s complexities, highlighting bravery, sacrifice, discrimination and the varied roles individuals played. Â
Help us Shape the Museum’s Future
While you’re at the museum, please take a minute to provide us with some feedback!
November 11, 2024 marks 25 years since the opening of the Okanagan Military Museum. A dedicated group of veterans and volunteers created the Okanagan Military Museum Society (OMMS) in 1987 with a goal to collect, preserve and exhibit militaria related to local contributions to Canada’s military history.
It’s time to look ahead and reimagine the galleries and the stories we tell. As we embark upon renovating the galleries over the next few years, we want to know what’s important to you! Your input can help create a museum that is authentic, inclusive and inspiring, while honouring our military history.
About the Okanagan Military Museum
The Okanagan Military Museum is devoted to the preservation and greater awareness of Okanagan military heritage, and reveals how locals contributed to events on the world stage. A visit to the Okanagan Military Museum fosters a greater connection to the Okanagan men and women who served.
The Okanagan Military Museum Society [OMMS] formed in 1987 and opened the Okanagan Military Museum on November 11, 1999. Operations of the OMM merged with the Kelowna Museums Society in 2006, however the OMMS board is still active and works with the Kelowna Museums Society in many aspects of the operation of the museum.
Our Collections
The Okanagan Military Museum is home to one of the best firearms collections in Canada. It hosts a significant collection of uniforms, insignia, badges, and equipment, including artifacts from the Boer War, World War I and World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and contemporary military operations. The Okanagan Military Museum is also home to the Vince Bezeau Military Archives and Library is open to researchers.
Kelowna Museums’ Upcoming Events and Workshops
The Downtown Scoop
The Downtown Scoop
Historical newspapers are full of fascinating things; headlines, stories, the gossip column and even advertisements!
nakulamen (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour
nakulamen (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour
Stroll from the Laurel Packinghouse to the Rotary Marsh with syilx knowledge carriers as they teach about traditional plant use.
Dino Sundays
Dino Sundays
For the little dinosaur lovers in your family. Kelowna Museums introduces drop in Sundays with Dinosaur themed games, crafts or talks on the wonderful world of Dinosaurs in BC. Each week will be a different activity. It would be T-reffic to see you!