Our exhibits focus on the wide range of architectural history of Victoria, with an emphasis on the heritage homes of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Notice the features of their different architectural styles and become engaged in stories about those who designed and occupied these homes and buildings.
Our exhibits feature heritage homes from the region built some time between the late 19th century and the interwar years of the 20th century. Notice the features of their different architectural styles and become engaged in the stories about those who designed these homes and who occupied them.
Gothic Victoria
– ON VIEW UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2025 –
Our current feature exhibit considers the stylistic origins of Wentworth Villa itself as part of a broader architectural movement known as the Carpenter Gothic. Tracing the development of the style from its origins in medieval times through the Gothic Revival of the 19th Century, this is a truly historic theme!
Garden City
Victoria has a colourful and fascinating architectural history. Richly illustrated with archival photographs and historic artwork, Garden City: Designing Victoria provides an introduction to this history. The exhibit shows how early settlers interacted with the local Songhees First Nations people to establish themselves in the region, and how this eventually led to the globally connected modern city we see today
Muirhead Residence
Commissioned in 1903 by James Muirhead, Jr. and designed by architects Thomas Hooper and Charles E. Watkins, the Muirhead Residence is an exemplary model of the late Queen Anne style. It is one of the few private residences in Canada with a National Historic Site designation.
This exhibition examines the architectural details of the house and tells the story of the Muirhead family within the context of an industrial and construction boom when Victoria was a young city.
Francis Rattenbury
Francis Rattenbury (1867-1935) did more than any other single architect to design the look and feel of Victoria as we know it today. Recognized primarily for his work on the BC Legislature, Empress Hotel, and CPR Steamship terminal buildings which continue define city’s waterfront, this exhibit also considers the more personal side of his life and career. Organized around a scale model of the architect’s own self-designed home in Oak Bay, visitors get a glimpse into his domestic life there which, despite appearances, was far from idyllic. His tempestuous personality, scandalous dealings, and ultimate violent end add a sense of tragedy to the life story of this truly monumental figure.
Biggerstaff Wilson Residence
Architect Samuel Maclure made his mark on the city with the construction of the Biggerstaff Wilson Residence. Built in 1905 in the Tudor Revival style, this home influenced other work by Maclure and set the tone for residential design in the neighbourhoods of Victoria.
This exhibition highlights the signature architectural style of Maclure’s design. Examples of his work can still be seen throughout Victoria and as far as Ellensburg, Washington.
Ella Family & The Villa
Captain Henry Bailey Ella and his wife, Martha, were among the early settlers on Vancouver Island. Read their story, and that of their family, on the walls of one of the rooms of Wentworth Villa – the place that was their home. Discover what it was like to make a life here and live in one of the grandest homes in the city.
This exhibition is under reconstruction. Stay tuned for further details on when it will re-open.
Restoration
Climb the mahogany staircase in the centre of Wentworth Villa and enter the upper rooms to see artefacts of the Villa on display. These include an array of items ranging from dinnerware and tombstones to layers of wallpaper uncovered during restoration.
These rooms provide a space to see what went on during the restoration of the Villa and gain insight into heritage home preservation.
