25 years of sharing history, 75 feet underground.
Descend into history and celebrate our 25th anniversary with us.
This year marks the Diefenbunker’s 25th anniversary. Since June 27, 1998, the Diefenbunker has been operating as a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site. For 25 years, we have proudly offered an immersive look into the past by preserving and promoting Canada’s Cold War artifacts and stories.
Join us for a year of celebrations honouring a treasured piece of Canadian history.
History. Education. Art. Find it all at the Diefenbunker, 75 feet underground.
Celebrate 25 years
We have so much to celebrate and are excited to share several announcements and exclusive offerings with you throughout the year.
- Limited-time offers and discounts
- Themed family programming
- Special events
- New exhibitions
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Featured report: 25 years of impacts
25 Years of Impacts
Follow the Diefenbunker on its journey, from humble beginnings through significant milestones to its ongoing growth as a meaningful contributor to Cold War education and to the local community and economy.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Enjoy anecdotes, photos, and memories related to the Diefenbunker as shared by visitors, staff members, volunteers, and other museum supporters.
What’s on at the Diefenbunker in 2023?
Stay up to date with News from Underground! Receive monthly updates to your inbox about Diefenbunker exhibitions, programs, events, artifacts, and more. Sign up today.
January 1 – March 3: 2022 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition, Justin Case: The Enemy Within
January 1 – March 3: 2022 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition, Justin Case: The Enemy Within
February 4 – 19: Winterlude
January 1 – March 3: 2022 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition, Justin Case: The Enemy Within
March 3: Official opening of two brand new permanent exhibitions
- An Inuit Story: The DEW Line
- Canada and the Cold War
March 13 – 17: March Break Spy Camp
April 7: Easter at the Bunker
June 3: Doors Open Ottawa
- Free admission
June 27: 25th anniversary date
Open 7 days a week
Summer Spy Camp Weeks 1 – 4
July 1: Canada Day
- 50% off admission
Open 7 days a week
Summer Spy Camp Weeks 5 – 9
September 28: Cold War Speaker Series – Session #1: “When the Skies Rained Boxes”: Northern Canadians and Continental Defence during the Cold War
October 12: Cold War Speaker Series – Session #2: How Popular Musicians Addressed the Cold War in the US and Canada
October 21: Launch of our 2023 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition
October 25 – 27: Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt
November 11: Remembrance Day
- Free admission for veterans, active military personnel, and their accompanying family members
November 16: Cold War Speaker Series – Session #3: Spies, Lies, and Macho Guys: Documenting RCMP Surveillance against the Women’s Liberation Movement in Canada
November 18: Whisky Tasting Fundraiser
October 21 – February 4: 2023 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition, Cold Comfort for a Hot World
October 21 – February 4: 2023 Artist-in-Residence Exhibition, Cold Comfort for a Hot World
NEW EXHIBITION: An Inuit Story: The DEW Line
New permanent exhibition opening Friday, March 3.
NEW EXHIBITION: Canada and the Cold War
New permanent exhibition opening Friday, March 3.
MUSEUM OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK THIS SUMMER
Enjoy extended museum hours — visit us 7 days a week in July and August! We are also open on holiday Mondays.
ESCAPE ROOMS OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK THIS SUMMER
Challenge yourself to Escape the Diefenbunker, open Wednesday through Sunday in July and August.
25 ARTIFACT FEATURES
Discover Cold War stories from 25 artifacts from within our collections and archives.
LIMITED-EDITION COMMEMORATIVE PIN
Sleek metallic pins recognizing our 25th anniversary are available for purchase in our Gift Shop.
NEW IN-VISIT EXPERIENCES ON WEEKENDS THIS FALL
Starting November 18, sleuth your way through the bunker to solve a family-friendly mystery puzzle and spin our prize wheel for a limited-time discount or giveaway.
REPEAT HISTORY WITH A MEMBERSHIP
Take advantage of all the museum has to offer. Receive unlimited general admission for a year, along with other perks.
We invite you to descend into history. Let us show you how.
History, underground.
The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum is a once-top secret, four-storey underground bunker, originally designed as the centre for Canada’s defence against nuclear attack during the Cold War. Now, it is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site preserving and promoting Canada’s Cold War history.
When you visit the Diefenbunker, you are stepping into history — we are Canada’s most significant Cold War artifact and stand as a testament to the important role that Canada played during a critical period in recent world history. We have a crucial role to play in helping us to understand our past and build our collective future.
More than a museum, the Diefenbunker is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the stories, people, and artifacts of the past, and take away lessons for the future. The Diefenbunker’s one-of-a-kind experiential learning environment, coupled with its award-winning programs, events, and exhibitions, draws visitors from around the world.