What we do
The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum is Ottawa’s immersive history destination. It is an impressive four-storey underground facility that operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War, ready at any moment in case of a nuclear attack. Today, it is a one-of-a-kind museum, national historic site, and independent charitable organization preserving and interpreting Canada’s Cold War history. The museum welcomes 70,000 visitors per year from around the world to experience award-winning exhibitions, tours, programs, events, and escape rooms — there is something for everyone.
How you can help
Donate
The Diefenbunker is Canada’s most significant surviving Cold War artifact and a powerful reminder of our world on the edge of nuclear war. It tells the story of Canada’s resourcefulness, preparedness, and extraordinary efforts to safeguard our way of life in the face of catastrophe. Your gift makes a difference in our ability to share important lessons from our past, for present and future generations to envision a more peaceful future. Donated funds contribute to the preservation of this window into the past, allowing us to keep our national historic site and its stories accessible for future generations. Donors are also supporting our unique educational programs, which allow youth the opportunity to understand and reflect on a critical period in recent world history.
Sponsor an event
The Diefenbunker values connections with its communities and we welcome opportunities for meaningful collaboration. Sponsorships of our annual special events provide local organizations and businesses the opportunity to be at the forefront of important, engaging, and educational community-oriented initiatives hosted by the museum. The financial contributions of sponsors enable us to continue offering our unique array of public events and programs for new and diverse audiences.
Become a member
Sign up today to experience all we have to offer underground, time after time. Immerse yourself in stories and artifacts from the past and explore the Diefenbunker’s underground secrets year-round with free admission. Members also receive discounts on Diefenbunker events and programs, exclusive invitations, and more. Repeat history and contribute to our efforts to preserve Cold War artifacts and stories.
To learn more about this charity, please visit the latest edition of the Giving Guide here:
