Museum of Surrey in Cloverdale
Located in Cloverdale, the Museum of Surrey is one of Metro Vancouver’s top free attractions. This family-friendly museum celebrates the city’s people, history, and diverse cultures through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and community programs.
For full details about the attraction, visit Museum of Surrey‘s official website.
Where is the Museum of Surrey?
The museum ‘s address is 17710 56A Avenue in Surrey. It’s just minutes from the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, home of the annual Cloverdale Rodeo. The Surrey Archives building is located nearby, across the plaza from the museum.
TIP: Check the museum’s online calendar to plan your visit around a special event or hands-on activity.
What to See and do
The museum is spread across a main building and an outdoor Heritage Campus featuring restored historical buildings. Inside the museum you’ll find the following:
- Surrey Stories Gallery – Learn about the city’s past through the voices of its people.
- Textile Centre – Explore historic weaving and fabric arts.
- Indigenous Hall – Discover the culture and history of Surrey’s Indigenous communities.
- Explore Zone – A large, interactive play and learning area for young children.
The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and free family programming, especially on school Pro-D days, Family Day, Spring Break, and other holidays.
There are also a variety of inclusive and sensory-friendly programs, including the annual Sensory Fun at the Museum Day. This event features fun and accessible activities designed especially for children and adults with sensory sensitivities. Partner organizations like the Honeybee Centre, Surrey Nature Centre, and Autism Community Training often take part, offering face painting, scavenger hunts, crafts, and other hands-on experiences in a calming environment.
For full details about the museum, visit the City of Surrey’s website.
Heritage Campus: Step Back in Time
Outside the main museum, visitors can explore the Heritage Campus, which includes the following:
- Anderson Cabin (1872) – One of Surrey’s earliest pioneer homes.
- 1881 Town Hall – A preserved example of early civic life in the city.
- Anniedale School (1891) – A restored one-room schoolhouse offering a glimpse into education in the late 1800s.
The public can view the heritage buildings from the outside throughout the year. There are costumed interpreters on select dates during special events.
Featured Cultural Events
The Museum of Surrey celebrates the city’s diversity with free cultural festivals and community gatherings throughout the year. Notable events include the following (recognizing that not all events happen every year):
- Children of the Fur Trade (April) – Held in partnership with the Surrey Delta Métis Association, this event includes Métis storytelling, live entertainment, food vendors, and artisan crafts.
- WinterFest – A holiday celebration with crafts, Christmas trees and other seasonal displays in December.
- Remembrance Day Ceremonies – Held outdoors in the plaza by the cenotaph on November 11th. On the day, the museum also usually hosts special indoor activities.
- Family Day and Spring Break Activities – The museum offers special crafts and programming for children and families.
To learn more about the museum, visit the surrey.ca website.
Other Information
In summary, whether you’re interested in local history, cultural heritage, or simply looking for a free family-friendly activity in Surrey, the Museum of Surrey offers something for everyone. With interactive exhibits, play areas for kids, and an inclusive, community-driven approach, it’s one of the most welcoming museums in the Lower Mainland. It’s an especially good one for young children.
For more information about exhibitions, events and tickets, visit the City of Surrey‘s website.
Other Metro Vancouver attractions to check out include the Chinese Canadian Museum and Vancouver Maritime Museum.
Other websites you might also find of interest are VancouversBestPlaces.com and VancouverForKids.ca.