1st Floor

Back to the sea

Come witness the diversity of life and the powerful force of evolution, as this exhibit features prehistoric and living animals that have transitioned from water to land and back to water again, over millions of years on earth. See some of the largest, most ancient and intriguing life in our oceans, including extinct species of pliosaurs and ichthyosaurs, extant species of whales, walrus and other mammals, as well as reptiles, such as sea turtles and more! 

Auditorium exhibit

The Redpath Museum's historic auditorium has accommodated many McGill classes and lectures for over a century of academic learning. It is also a very popular venue for many other academic presentations, guest lectures, science and cultural conferences, as well as mainstream media and arts projects. The lecture hall also contains four exhibit cases, which have recently been renovated to display a new exhibit entitled the Four Pillars of the Redpath Museum. Each of the four display cases contains a selection of artefacts and specimens that represent the history and diversity of the Redpath Museum's collections. These four cases present the museum's Biodiversity, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and World Cultures collections. The display was designed and installed by Lauren McAusland, a McGill undergraduate student, with the assistance of museum curatorial staff, Anthony Howell (Natural History collections manager/zoology technician), Annie Lussier (World Cultures curator), and Ingrid Birker (Public Outreach Manager).

View Lauren's project in the Four Pillars of the Redpath Museum section. 

Japanese sea crab

Toting the distinguished title of world’s largest crab, with a leg span of nearly 12 feet wide, the Japanese Spider Crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is a sight to be seen. Living in the deep waters of the north Pacific Ocean and potentially living up to 100 years, this colossal marine arthropod feeds on everything from shellfish and dead animals, to plants, algae and mollusks. They are a critical member of the food chain, acting as both ocean decomposer (eating dead animals) and secondary consumers (hunting other animals). Come experience and marvel at a true wonder of the deep ocean with this main floor exhibit.

Curiosity Cabinet

One of the oldest forms of museum displays, Cabinets of Curiosity have been a staple of museum exhibits since the end of the 16th century. Designed to stimulate and excite the public, objects, artefacts and specimens are specifically selected to tell a story about the history of the world, while illustrating the rare, esoteric and often strange diversity in science and culture. At the Redpath Museum you will experience such an introduction to the wonders of the museum’s holdings, including such animals as the extinct Carolina Parakeet and the Australian, egg-laying mammal known as the Echidna. Cultural artefacts will catch your eye, as you learn about Amphora ceramics and other pottery of Oceania, and learn about fascinating palaeontological discoveries, made by researchers at McGill University.