Miniature World

This was a really cute little exhibit in Victoria, where they have many miniature models depicting historical events, fantasy stories, and conceptual ideas like science fiction. Definitely worth spending a fun afternoon in Victoria looking through what's on offer, the circus exhibit was the most impressive and well worth the entrance fee! Would revisit if given another chance!

If you love miniatures, this should be on your bucket list. You can spend hours looking at the amazingly detailed scenes of historical events, fairytales, and even outer space. If possible, it’s best to visit early or late in the day so you won’t feel rushed, as the big groups from the bus tours and cruise ships tend to be herded through in the middle. Based on observations of other guests, it’s also helpful to remember before deciding to visit that this is a display of very detailed works of art rather than dollhouses to play with. There are a few buttons to push to activate elements like lights, doors, etc. - but there’s no play area or place to let kids run, as it is a tight maze of hallways filled with people examining the displays.

Great way to pass a couple of hours if you take your time. Kids loved it and adults can appreciate the work put into the displays. A lot of the miniatures depict history but are now getting old enough to be classics themselves.

An incredibly interesting place, there are a lot of details that can be viewed. Many exhibits are dedicated to the history of Canada and beyond, as well as the most popular fairy tales around the world. I really liked the details of the miniatures that move, which we can control ourselves by pressing the button

It's a unique experience feeling like a giant among miniature exhibits that look very real with attention to detail. I definitely recommend this spot for a fun family activity when in Victoria.

Fun Fun Fun, I haven't been on 35 years and loved every display. Both the Adults and kids found every display unique. Definitely worth the visit

We visited Victoria and wanted to explore some of the recommended places, so we decided to check out Miniature World in downtown. While the displays were detailed and the information provided was good, we found the pricing for adults a bit too expensive for the overall experience. This attraction is definitely more enjoyable for kids than for adults. It works well as a short activity to do in Victoria, especially if you’re visiting with children, but we feel the prices could be adjusted to better match the experience.

As a history enthusiast I can certainly appreciate the amount of effort to build and present these true works of art. Visited during Halloween time and there was a scavenger hunt with miniature pumpkins hidden in plain sight within the displays.

Recently visited here over the holidays and it was wild seeing it 35 years later after my first visit as a child. I took my children to see it and they really enjoyed it. I found it to be touristy and crowded, which stressed me out. I have twins who are opposites. One thought it was the most amazing thing since sliced bread, while the other found the Bug Zoo to be the coolest place he has ever visited. It was pricey, but the tour is much longer than I remember it and I think they have added to it over the years. If the kids are happy, I'm happy, so we'd be likely to return. Note for non-Canadians: They don't convert the exchange rate so it's $68 CAD for a family of four or $68 USD - so pay with a card instead.

Miniature World...the most underrated attraction in Victoria! As a wee lad of 11 years, I absolutely loved it! As an old halfway dead mid-40s old fellow, I absolutely loved it! Miniature World is a big showcase of over 85 dioramas and displays of so many things miniature: railroads, old Americana, World War 2, Fantasy, Folklore, fairytales, knights, Victorian era, American Revolution, French Revolution, Age of Enlightenment, the Wild West, and so much more. The level and detail are extraordinary...pictures can only capture maybe 10% of the excellence, words only 1%. $19CAD/$15USD Adult and $11CAD/$8USD Child, worth it! Expect to spend an hour, or longer if you have children or are a nerd like myself.

I was expecting a very cheesy and small exhibition. Nope. This place was charming, and blew my mind. Brought out the inner child for sure. Seems to have some history as well. Definitely recommend it!

Very fun. Interesting exhibits that people put a lot of time into. Loved it. A great place for kids.

The kids spotted this on a recent trip and have been wanting to go. When we finally did, my expectations weren't so high, but I gotta say I was very surprised! The amount of detail in the models is quite astounding. Close up pictures look like you're taking photos of a real location. There's plenty of variety with various themed rooms. My favorite was the fun fair area and the fairytales. There's a lot to read and learn about throughout. I can see why some would opt for a year membership. The kids were fascinated, but there were plenty of adult only groups going through who seemed taken as well. The replicas are of a very high standard and there's plenty of buttons that make trains and things move. It's a little tight in there and could get claustrophobic for some. Overall well worth a visit if you're looking for something to do.

Fun way to spend a rainy afternoon with the little ones. I'll be honest, at first I was a bit reluctant as the brochure and the displays outside seemed very...lackluster? Once you go inside and see the scope of the various areas, you soon get very engrossed in the amazing attention to details throughout. Many of the exhibits also had informational plaques, so a nice way to get the kids to learn while having fun!

Mesmerizing displays out of this world real life in front of your eyes at your finger tips hundreds and many to go thru well spent u will need more than just a day I recommend to go early and bring a snack and food walking shoes

I always visit this museum on the back side of The Empress Hotel. The miniature scenes date to WWII and before. Lots of BC history included in the exhibits. I think it is a treat for all ages

Stopped here during our day trip in Victoria. My boyfriend and I had so much fun here. It was a lot bigger than either of us expected, definitely worth the ticket price. There was so much effort put into all of these displays and it was great to wander through the museum and gawk at how cool the mini things are!

Ok, this was definitely pretty cool. It was not what I was expecting. There were quite a few rooms and models to look through. It ranged from outer space to WWII to the circus. I was impressed by all of the models. It's well worth a stop in Victoria!

It was so cute. The whole family could enjoy it! this was one of our favorite parts of Victoria.

This place is a lot of fun and brings out the kid in anyone. They have scenes from historical events, fairy tales and more. It's something unique and interesting to see I recommend it.

We were so on the fence about going and decided to just go while in Victoria and I am glad we did. So much talent in one place to make these displays. They were actually very awesome.

Victoria was a stop on our cruise, and we weren't sure what we wanted to do, but decided to walk along the water and then go on to Miniature World. We couldn't have been happier! The dioramas were absolutely astounding -- so much talent -- and there's some history to learn as well. Really really fun; a can't miss if you have an hour so.

A little rusty with outdated furniture , but cute store that has the coolest "children's museum". My kids love to come and look at the miniature world and watch the trains on the ceiling. Such a fun experience.

This place is so worth everything. The miniature displays are so cute and detailed. I totally recommend this place a lot.

This place was SO cool. What a surprise. It's HUGE inside and the detail, wow! Every era and War is represented. Even my teen loved it.

My guilty pleasure is that I'm obsessed with miniatures. I like to go to the cities and go to their miniature museum. I was so excited that yesterday when I went to to visit Victoria, there was a miniature world! It's right in the middle of downtown and is $10 a person unless you have your AAA card and are a student. If you are a big fan of history, you will like this place but there are other exhibits as well. This is a pretty large place and I really like how there are buttons you can push for movement. There are even scenes that turn into nighttime!

When visiting Victoria we just came across this place. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but you'll be so surprised once you go inside. This was a highlight of our trip. So glad we came here. I can't imagine the amount of time it takes to put even one display together. And there's truly something for everyone. Lots of historical and battle scenes. Then you have all the fairy tales. Plus you have things like the circus. It's crazy all the detail in each display. This is one of those times that you'll definitely want to plan to give yourself some time. Totally worth the money you'll spend. Make sure to come here, and bring the whole family, because it's great for everyone. I just can't say enough about how cool this place is.

We visited Miniature World with my 2.5 year old. Initially it came across as dated but charming. My son loves trains. Clean and sensible pandemic protocols. Unfortunately when I got to the Old West Exhibit there were some offensive depictions of Indigenous people and a sign basically justifying it. I think it would be better if they remove it or make it more accurate and respectful. Perhaps as a bare minimum acknowledging the unceded traditional territory their museum sits on? It's 2021 I really don't think we need to subject another generation to the racist myths of the west. Please do better.

ITS SO CUTE I LITERALLY LOVE IT HERE everything's so detailed and so interactive like literally so cool here

This place is honestly so cool. I did not expect to be wowed like I was. They have so many different themes and some of the exhibits are interactive which is super cool. I would highly suggest this spot.

Theme: 10/10!!!! From historical reconstructs, worldwide landmarks, fantasy novel reenactments to various nostalgic scenes the tour is definitely worth checking out. The details are absolutely stunning & there's always something happening everywhere so be prepared to linger for a while. Location: 10/10! In the heart of downtown Victoria behind the historic Fairmont Hotel, you'll be able to easily access the exhibition. Plus the Bug Zoo is right next door as well. Price: 10/10! Very cheap & also gives Military discounts.

what a fantastic visit! It was so fun to visit this little exhibit. We had some time to kill and decided to visit and it was so fun. We definitely recommend anyone to check this little exhibit out.

Researching Victoria for an upcoming cruise stop, I stumbled up this world of miniatures and was intrigued! Fortunately, we found the place (if you're facing The Empress hotel), it's the side street to the left of it. Walk up and it will be on the right. Not hard to find if you know where to look. (which we did not, but we asked someone at The Empress). So, for just twelve bucks or so (they took AAA, by the way), we were let into this miniature fantasy/historical world! Who wouldn't love teeny-tiny everything??? It's mesmerizing, enchanting and just plain fun!

Really liked these miniatures. Clearly a lot of hard work went into them. Some of them even moved. Loved the Lady of the Lake lifting her sword out of the lake for Sir Arthur. The Circus was fun, especially now that opinion is against them. They were at the peak of Americana. The tour starts in a very dark Star room. You get to see the Enterprise and all sorts of things. My hand brushed against some hair, it was a five year old trying to play so I left. Medieval World, Civil War, World Wars I and II, just amazing all around. Next trip to Victoria is the Miniature World visit!

Loved miniature world! Family friendly, educational and you can allocate at least a couple of hours here.

Wow! What an amazing experience! I was sure pleased and satisfied coming to see this place! The detail on every single block was just astonishing! It was so creative and I couldn't get enough of it! Every place made me keep looking! I loved the circus area and the train with the 30 second night lights! The cool effects was just on point! I can't imagine how much work was put into this! If you ever in Victoria B.C come check this place out! You won't regret it!

OMG--Victoria BC is on Yelp!!! I LOVE this place---I want to move into this museum and/or magically shrink into a teeny tiny person to live in one of the dozens of dioramas. I had wanted to go to this place for years, first bugging my parents as a kid and then bugging my hubby for years. Finally when our son was 11 I convinced both of them that Miniature World would be an "educational" experience! We went last year too and I was just as amazed and dazzled. It more than met my expectations, but I love anything miniature. There are not only dollhouses, one in particular has a teeny tiny working television, there is so much more. Battlefields from a dozen or so historical wars. Lots of soldiers, shooting, wounded, dying, dead....lots of artillery, canons, tanks, weapons, etc--- my son & hubby love this shit, Fairy tale castles, fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters, towns with houses, stores, etc etc I am going to have to dig through my pictures and load them onto this site. I took dozens. Fun and fascinating place for the kids and big kids. Warning it may be too "wholesome" for some Yelpers! Take a peek at their website: http://www.miniatureworld.com/

Super cute! The attention to detail is kind of crazy. My favorite sections had to be the fairy tale ones and King Arthur!

A great place to spend an hour. The exhibits are interesting and fun for all ages.

There is so much to see! Gotta love a place with historical, fantastical and creative roots. Should definitely give yourself at least 2 hours to explore!

I am outraged. I came here to overcome my extreme self-consciousness of my elevated stature. Not only did this place make me feel larger and wider than I've ever been, I also have developed a major phobia of little people, which makes going outside difficult because everyone is smaller than me. How can the developers of this establishment sleep at night?! I am an avid star gazer, and I know for a fact the constellations in the space section were not to scale, nor were they valid in any matter whatsoever. Who are they trying to fool??! You can't create the world. You aren't God. Listen, don't try to fool us with a 1975 star trek exhibit and try to pass it off as fact. It's like taking a plastic sea monkey aquarium and telling educated doctors it is the Marianas Trench. SEE?! it's outrageous and offensive. Please . You may contact me if you wish. But don't expect a response as I'm quite selective with those I interact with, especially if you're smaller than me or have an attitude problem like my last wife or that witch they tried to pass off as Lady Geneviere. I don't know how else to put this, but overall I would highly recommend visiting this attraction, if only to chuckle at the maker's sheer lack of competence when it comes to historical accuracy OR the lore behind it all. Anyway, thanks, find me on reddit for more reviews and life advice for single tall men. - TheStinglerStickBoy

Haven't been here since I was single digits, but it was just as I remember. Still amazes me how detailed the scenes are. The circus scene is my fave, but I enjoyed their latest addition of Camelot.

Amazing! I'm not technically a miniature enthusiast, but this attraction sure made me one. The displays are unique and attractive. I found myself say "wow" over and over! The staff members were knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the displays. We spent 1.5-2 hours here. The only complaint is that they don't have a formal gift shop, but they do sell postcards. Miniature World is located in the back of the Fairmont Empress, so it's the perfect place for a sightseeing stop.

I loved this place! Lots of really interesting and intricately designed pieces that did a great job of telling many different stories. I really enjoyed the buttons that triggered little surprise tricks in many of the pieces. Also, the miniature sawmill and short film were informative and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed every piece that was offered. I especially loved the outer space pieces and the fantasy world pieces.

Outstanding!!! We really enjoyed all the hard work that was put into this museum. Highly recommend, completed our trip to Victoria.

Amazing!!!!! All of the dioramas are very in detail. It's worth of the money. They offered 10% discount for AAA. We went last week not sure if they still offer that deal. I love how they demonstrated day time and night time for each town. Mining video was amazing.

I was super excited to go here because of the yelp reviews I've read. However, for $12 a person, I thought it was ok. I wish I had my AAA or Student ID for a discount. The cashier at the front was very animate towards getting us some type of discount. The miniature worlds were actually very impressive but I wished we could have gotten closer to the displays rather than looking from a glass casing. BUT it makes sense so people don't ruin the creations. Some displays had buttons to "interact" with the worlds but some didn't make sense or work. I took a lot of great pictures and I liked the amount of worlds they had. Lots of kids there which is a germ-fest and sometimes gets very crowded.

Fantastic place. We enjoyed the detailed exhibits that both adults and children (14 and 11 years old) liked. Different variety of themes which are all very well done. Good value

I remembered going to Miniature World as a kid but i don't remember it to have That much to see! For 15$ admission, it is definitely worth it. It is just located at at the side of the famous Empress Hotel. It probably took me an hour to walk thru and snapping a tonne of pictures. Everything is so detailed and small!! Inside shows history; wars, cities back in the days, fairy tales, circus, medieval just to name a few for themes. I really had so much fun just looking and admiring their work. The place looks like it is dated back in the 80's but its the content that matters. If you are ever visiting Victoria, this is a must see!!! In my opinion, this was one of the best sight-seeing places to hit. Paid street parking available in the area.

I'm not sure how anyone can rate this anything less than a 5 star. First of all it's unique - how many places will you go that has this many dioramas with such detail and craftsmanship? They even have a miniature sawmill that is fully functional. This took about an hour of our time and was totally worth it and next to the Fairmont. Highly recommended as you'll see in the pictures that others have provided.

New owners so no student discount anymore. When the cashier said we rarely get locals in anymore, I wanted to say "I wonder why!" Overpriced!

Really great. The detail and devotion is really amazing. The WWII dioramas were my personal favorite.

If you're in town with a toddler, there is no better way to spend an afternoon than in the train room at Mini World. They get to push the buttons and watch the trains go around a beautiful diorama of Canadian towns at the turn of the century while the 'sun' slowly sets and rises. You get to marvel at the attention to detail in dozens of little displays about WWI. Yay MW!

My friend and I randomly fell upon Miniature World while looking for things to do in BC. Upon entering, I felt I should be greeted by Lilliputs! Rooms are separated into different themes (like a scene from novels) and eras... medieval times, carnivals, rodeos, castles... all so amazing to see especially the ones that stretch for a good number of feet. There is so much detail to each set ...you can see boats, horses and little people... or cars and carts..depending on what room you are in. Simply amazing detail. They also a/c the place so you stay cool. =) It's pretty cheap too- $12 pp. =) A great way to burn off an hour or two!

If somehow you can find a way to shrink like Alice in Wonderland this would be the best place to do it! If anyone knows where I can find the Mad Hatter...Please let me know!! I went here with Christine Y. & we had such a blast looking at each Miniature World! You won't stop smiling roaming this place!! Fee Fi Fo Fum...We be the Giants that roam these Halls!! The Greatest Little Show on Earth. ****Victoria, BC is on Yelp!!! =D Yahooooo!

SUCKER! That's how I feel after a $16 admission fee. Various miniature doll houses and periods in history. Someone getting big money to show their model collection. Although quite elaborate it is something that can be crafted in a hobby room

Suitable for kids and adult. Highly detailed historic and fictional scenes. For kids, this place is a huge playground. For adults, this is a beautiful depiction of stories and histories we'd learned about while growing up. It is also a huge germ fest--be sure to Purell up!