BEES!

Coming Soon to the PumpHouse Museum

April 25 – October 31

Something exciting is buzzing into the PumpHouse Museum this spring.

BEES! is a travelling, bilingual (English/French) exhibition that invites visitors of all ages to explore the fascinating world of bees through hands-on discovery, movement, and play. Ideal for families with children aged 4–14, this immersive exhibition blends science, environmental learning, and fun in a way that feels approachable, engaging, and memorable.

Set within Kingston’s original 1851 waterworks, BEES! adds a lively layer to the PumpHouse experience, connecting natural systems, engineering, and environmental science through the museum’s tradition of hands-on learning.

What to Expect

Get ready to move, explore, and discover together. In BEES!, visitors can:

  • Climb through a giant honeycomb model
  • Come face-to-face with a queen bee, her egg, and larvae
  • Try a Waggle Dance and learn how bees communicate
  • Test their knowledge on the Bee I.D. Spinner
  • Explore how a hive works through interactive displays
  • Watch real bees in action with a Live Hive Cam

Throughout the exhibition, hands-on interactives encourage curiosity, movement, and shared discovery, making it a natural complement to the PumpHouse’s family-friendly, STEAM-focused spaces.

Why BEES! Matters

Bees play a vital role in healthy ecosystems and food systems, yet their populations are declining. BEES! explores the big idea that bee health and diversity reflect the impact of human actions on the environment, presented in a positive, age-appropriate way that invites curiosity rather than concern.

Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable insects and simple ideas for supporting pollinators in their own communities, connecting what they’ve experienced in the gallery to the world outside.

Plan Your Visit

BEES! opens April 25 and runs through October 31, included with regular museum admission.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a school visit, or a stop along Kingston’s waterfront, BEES! offers an engaging indoor experience that fits easily into a visit to the PumpHouse Museum.

👉 Check back soon for opening-day details and upcoming programs.

BEES! was developed by the City of Surrey’s Museum of Surrey in collaboration with Honeybee Centre of Surrey and funded by the Government of Canada.