The Home for the Heavies is an ambitious new endeavor by the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, a museum already renowned for its success in preserving Canada’s aviation heritage. Building on this strong foundation, the museum is embarking on a bold project to construct a new hangar that will house “The Heavies,” including the iconic Lancaster FM159 and a soon-to-be newly restored Halifax bomber—two legendary aircraft that symbolize the bravery and innovation of WWII aviation.
The Bomber Command Museum of Canada is located in Nanton, Alberta. The museum stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women who shaped the course of history during WWII. Immerse yourself in Canada’s proud aviation heritage and the pivotal role of Bomber Command in World War II.
Home to a remarkable collection of historic aircraft, the museum offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the past. Visitors can explore preserved artifacts, engaging interactive displays, and restoration projects that bring aviation history to life.
Experience the awe-inspiring power of live engine runs, feel the reverberation of history, and participate in unique events that celebrate the legacy of those who served. Outside the museum, the Bomber Command Memorial Wall pays a solemn tribute to the over 10,000 Canadians who gave their lives in Bomber Command during WWII, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Through the exhibits, archives, and memorials, they honor not only the valiant efforts of Bomber Command but also the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which prepared thousands of airmen for duty.
The Bomber Command Museum is more than a museum—it’s a living memorial to all who served and sacrificed, ensuring their stories are remembered and shared with future generations. Visit Bomber Command Museum of Canada to discover the legacy, honor the heroes, and witness Canadian aviation history up close. Together, we keep their memory soaring.
Commitment of the Organization
VISION
A world class museum with a determined focus on the artifacts and life stories of the successes and sacrifices of men and women involved in WWII Bomber Command and the associated British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (B.C.A.T.P.)
MISSION:
To educate and inform current and future generations through lectures, demonstrations, artifacts, working aircraft and true-life stories by the contributions and sacrifices made by men and women of Bomber Command.
Accomplishments of BCMC in the past 38 years
Built the original hangar for the Lancaster FM159 plus three major expansions since then
Restored the Lancaster to full 4-engine operation
Created a museum including fifteen WWII aircraft and associated military vehicles, interpretative displays, artwork, a library, archives and restoration shops
Of these 15 acquired aircraft, five have been restored to runnable/taxiable condition
Designed and built the Memorial Wall with the names of over 10,600 Canadians who were killed serving with Bomber Command
Collected over 220,000 digital, comprehensive records about RCAF and RAF bomber crews and bomber squadrons
Bomber Command operated for 2000 days and flew almost 400,000 operations. Of the 120,000 who served, more than 55,000 were killed, including over 10,600 Canadians.
MUSEUM GOALS
To restore to complete taxiable condition, the Ian Bazalgette Memorial Lancaster and the Halifax Bomber to their wartime configuration.
To expand the museum with an additional 25,000 square foot hangar to house the Lancaster and Halifax bombers and associated artifacts.
To perform demonstrations of the Lancaster and Halifax bombers from the hangar onto a grassed area.
To inform and educate the public as to the contributions and sacrifices made by the men and women of Bomber Command and B.C.A.T.P.
To collect, restore, and exhibit other aircraft and artifacts related to Bomber Command and the BCATP. To include current projects, such as the Avro Anson, Spitfire, Harvard, Cessna Crane and Mosquito.
To celebrate and honour the Indigenous and Metis R.C.A.F. veterans who served and gave their lives for our freedom.
To celebrate and honour the contribution of women to Bomber Command and the B.C.A.T.P. during WWII.