MONOVA (Museum & Archives of North Vancouver) is a community-focused, volunteer-run museum and archives. Founded in 1972, it reopened in a purpose-built Shipyards District facility on December 4, 2021. Operated by the North Vancouver Museum & Archives Commission, it preserves and shares the stories of the City and District of North Vancouver.

Exhibits & Collections

Permanent Gallery explores themes of place, industry, and community using artifacts and digital storytelling.
Feature Exhibit (until Feb 28, 2026): “Are We There Yet? The Sustainable Transportation Journey” traces local transit evolution.
Streetcar 153: A restored historic tram in the lobby connects visitors to North Vancouver’s transit past.
Archives in Lynn Valley contain photographs, oral histories, maps, and community records with drop-in access.

Programs & Engagement

Walking tours (“Walks With History”, “Shipyard Pals”) offer engaging community experiences.
Family & sensory programs: include Campfire Capers (ages 2–5), discovery sessions, sensory-friendly Sundays, and kids’ drop-off nights.
Seniors’ and guided gallery tours on summer Thursdays, accessible to diverse audiences.

Visitor Info & Accessibility

Location: 115 West Esplanade, North Vancouver (Shipyards District), adjacent to SeaBus, Lonsdale Quay, Polygon Gallery.
Summer Hours: Wed–Sun 10 AM–5 PM; Thu until 8 PM.
Admission: Adults $14; seniors $12; youth/students $10; under-5 free; Indigenous free; family $38; annual passes available.
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible, sensory kits, assistance dogs allowed; archives open by appointment/drop-in.

Assessment
MONOVA revitalizes North Vancouver’s heritage with immersive exhibits, a historic streetcar, and rich archives. Its inclusive programming and strong community connection are strengths. The modern facility supports engagement, though the scope remains focused on local narratives. Opportunities exist to expand digital archives and broaden thematic exhibits. As a civic institution, MONOVA effectively fosters community identity and delivers educational value.