The Culture Rooms
Date: Jun 25
10:00 am
- 5:00 pm
Where: Level 2 & 3 Atrium
Experience what makes the people and this place so unique. MUSIC: When we are not talking, we are singing. And dancing. And having a time. Learn why music runs in our veins and try out an instrument or two yourself. Have you ever played an ugly stick? LANGUAGE: Did you know we have our own dictionary? Become acquainted with local authors. Learn some new words, like sleeveen or callibogus. And discover place names that will make you giggle, such as Come By Chance or Blow Me Down Provincial Park. NATURE: Mother Nature is highly respected here. Her high winds, dense fog, deep snow and horizontal rain have made us a hearty bunch and have defined our fashion sense. Learn about our spectacular hiking trails. Touch a piece of iceberg. And find out what capelin weather is all about. HISTORY: Come find out what brought people to these shores hundreds of years ago and what has made us such a resilient and creative lot. Try your hand at splitting a cod or bring a turn of water. Learn about resettlement and the salt cod trade. GENEALOGY: Many visitors have "roots" in this province. Some come with a clear understanding of where their families came from, while others only know that somewhere in their past there was a generation that started here. This kiosk shows you how to begin!
Today's Events & Programs
Your Friday’s Just Got Creative
Whether you’re a confident sketcher looking for community and inspiration, or someone who’s always wanted to try drawing but never felt brave enough—this is your chance!
Join us in a welcoming, relaxed environment where creativity flows and everyone belongs. Each week, we explore a new theme while building our skills and own drawing style. From investigating the intricate details of our natural history collection to learning and drawing from our gallery exhibitions.
What to Expect:
• A supportive space to learn, share, and enjoy art together
• Guided exercises with an experienced instructor
• Tips and techniques for all skill levels
• Quality drawing supplies provided (or bring your favorite sketchbook!)
No pressure, just possibilities. Come for the art, stay for the conversation.
Cost: $25 per session plus HST. 10% discount for members. Reserve your spot today online or by calling (709) 757-8090
Let’s draw together at The Rooms!
What fills the void when a species disappears?
Legends from the past and lessons for the future.
Step into our Connections Gallery and hear the stories of the Great Auk, the Newfoundland Wolf, and endangered whales as they echo across the ages through their body and bones.
Commiserate with the extinct, heed the calls of the endangered, and get hands on with remarkable specimens. Then, stand in awe before The Earth, Our Mother, Billy Gauthier’s breathtaking sculpture carved from the skull of a fin whale.
Join us for an unforgettable experience where science meets storytelling and leave inspired, with a deeper love for the rich natural history of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Included in the cost of admission. This tour is suitable for all ages and includes unique specimens not currently on display.
Your Friday’s Just Got Creative
Whether you’re a confident sketcher looking for community and inspiration, or someone who’s always wanted to try drawing but never felt brave enough—this is your chance!
Join us in a welcoming, relaxed environment where creativity flows and everyone belongs. Each week, we explore a new theme while building our skills and own drawing style. From investigating the intricate details of our natural history collection to learning and drawing from our gallery exhibitions.
What to Expect:
• A supportive space to learn, share, and enjoy art together
• Guided exercises with an experienced instructor
• Tips and techniques for all skill levels
• Quality drawing supplies provided (or bring your favorite sketchbook!)
No pressure, just possibilities. Come for the art, stay for the conversation.
Cost: $25 per session plus HST. 10% discount for members. Reserve your spot today online or by calling (709) 757-8090
Let’s draw together at The Rooms!
Fishing for Cod
For centuries, fishing for cod has played a vital role in the lives of the peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Generations of fishing men, women, and children made use of the land and sea to sustain them and spent their lives “making fish.”
Each tour is approximately 30–40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
In celebration of Black History Month, join us for a special evening of music and poetry in partnership with SARfest, featuring performances by local artists Mado & Sam and Project Highlife.
This event was organized in conjunction with SARfest, the ‘St. John’s African Roots Festival’, which promotes African and Afro-descendant cultures in Newfoundland and Labrador through festivals, Black History Month celebrations, workshops, and other events.
Tickets: $15 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.
About the Performers:
Sam Youbal is a young self-taught musician, producer, and music director known for his passion for music. Fluent in more than four languages, Sam bridges cultural and musical boundaries with ease, bringing a unique global touch to every project
Madeline Diamond-Grah (professionally known as Mado) is an emerging musician and performer celebrated for her expressive voice, compelling stage presence, and emotional range. A bilingual artist fluent in English and French, Mado is passionate about connecting with diverse audiences through music.
Project Highlife is a dynamic musical collective led by Ghanaian bassist George Gogoe, featuring Khamadi “JJ” Ojiambo on guitar (Kenya), Julien Bouchard on drums and percussion(Canada), and Elena Vigna on violin (Mexico). Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the group delivers an electrifying fusion of highlife and Afropop, blending deep, infectious bass grooves, driving percussion, and expressive violin melodies into a distinctive, high-energy sound.