BEES
A Story of Survival

Dorsal view of a fuzzy yellow and black bumble bee on a black background surrounded by floating pollen.

Date

Coming Soon May 16, 2026 to Oct 18, 2026

Location

Level 1,
Special Exhibition Gallery

Admission

Audience

Recommended for Adults, Families, Teens & Youth

About

STEP INTO THE LIFE OF BEES

Journey into the world of bees in a stunning new immersive experience that brings together the beauty of art with the power of science. Created by the National Museums Liverpool in partnership with award-winning artist and sculptor, Wolfgang Buttress, the exhibition highlights 120-million years of bee adaptation and survival, telling the epic tale of these incredible creatures and their relationship to us and the natural world.

Based on science and full of imagination, the experiential exhibition, presented by Desjardins Financial Group, offers a fusion of nature, art, music, and architecture that transports visitors into the world of bees - from the tiny, fascinating anatomy of a single bee and the magical wonder of honey bee colonies to the important roles bees play in our lives and the everyday threats they face.

Through immersive environments, art installations, soundscapes, and more, learn about the life of bees and the world they inhabit. See an ancient, fossilized bee encased in amber, enter a stylized honeycomb, take a moment to hear "like a honey bee", and experience changing patterns of light generated from the sounds of over 30,000 bees. 

Small but mighty, bees are a critical ingredient of a healthy natural world but are under continued and increasing threat. Powerful in what they can provide, and yet powerless to overcome the threats to their existence, the exhibition takes a closer look at bees - including some local specimens from the collections at ROM - to help guide a better understanding of what we can do to help prevent bee species from disappearing forever.

BEES: A Story of Survival is an evocative, engaging feast for the senses guaranteed to take the sting out of getting better acquainted with our buzz-worthy friends.

 

 

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Logo of National Museums Liverpool on left and signature of artist, Wolfgang Buttress, on right.

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
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407 ETR logo in black text on a white background with stylized lettering.
Lead Exhibition Patron
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ALAN AND PATRICIA KOVAL FOUNDATION
Media Partner
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Toronto Star

This exhibition is generously supported by the Royal Exhibitions Circle.

Exhibition-Themed Activities

Lateral view of a small bee with a bright green head and thorax and a black and white striped abdomen

Bee Superpowers (Seek & Find)

Explore the gallery in search of larger-than-life images of bee species native to Toronto. Each station highlights a unique adaptation from specialized pollen-carrying hairs to remarkable navigation skills, each revealing the hidden - wonderful - diversity of bees living right here in our city.

Dates: Daily, 10:00 am - 5:30 pm | May 16 - October 18, 2026 

Location: Hands-on Biodiversity | Level 2

graphic showing a flower meadow with an iridescent green bee hovering

BEE a Pollinator!

Step into the role of a pollinator in a hands-on activity designed for all ages. Using a touchable flower and hive model, transfer "pollen" between blooms and experience first-hand how bees help plants reproduce. Along the way, learn how pollination supports the food we eat and the health of local ecosystems.

Dates: Daily, 10:00 am - 5:30 pm | May 16 - October 18, 2026 

Location: Hands-on Biodiversity | Level 2

Lateral view of a fuzzy gold bee surrounded by floating pollen on a black background.

Bee Nest Cart (Pop-up Activity)

Did you know most bees don't live in hives? Our interactive cart welcomes visitors to discover how bees native to the area nest in logs, hollow stems, leaves, and even underground. Learn simple ways to create welcoming habitats at home, and support pollinators in your own neighbourhood.

Dates: May 16 - October 18, 2026 | Times vary

Location: Hands-on Biodiversity | Level 2

a bee hovers over a meadow of grasses and flowers

Microeye: Getting to Know Pollen

Take a closer look at the tiny structures that sustain ecosystems. Using microscopes, examine the diversity of pollen grains and preserved flowers while learning how microscopic plant structures connect to food systems and biodiversity around the world.

Dates: Daily, 10:00 am - 5:30 pm | May 16 - October 18, 2026 

Location: Hands-on Biodiversity | Level 2

Dorsal view of a fuzzy yellow and black bumble bee on a black background surrounded by floating pollen.

Pollinator Partners

Are you a pollinator partner? Whether it's encounters with real specimens, hands-on activities, or make-and-take home crafts, take a moment to learn about the wide variety of animals that play critical roles in pollinating our native plants, and how we can partner in helping local species through simple actions.  

Dates: Daily, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | June 27 - September 7, 2026

Location: Earth Rangers Studio  | Level 2