Ottawa's galleries and museums see tons of spectacular traveling exhibits every year. But what about the mainstays? Read on for a look at a few of the best permanent collections this city has to offer.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Information and artefacts abound at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. The Grand Hall and the First Peoples Hall explore the heritage of Canada's Aboriginal peoples. Face to Face features a portrait collection of some of the country's most important founders, movers and shakers. Make sure to take a tour through the Canada Hall, where 1000 years of our coast-to-coast history is revealed through life-sized environments and costumed actors. The Canadian Children's Museum, the Canadian Postal Museum, and an IMAX Theatre are also on site. 100, rue Laurier, Gatineau, 819-776-7000. civilization.ca

SCIENTIFIC STOCKPILE
How does television work? How has the bicycle changed our lives? Find all the answers at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, and discover how science and tech have impacted and shaped our everyday lives, from Canada's earliest days until today. Some notable collections include the trains in the Locomotive Hall, the cosmic tools in Canada in Space and the early watercrafts in Canoes: The Shape of Success. Don't miss the popular Crazy Kitchen, but be forewarned: you may walk out a little dizzier than when you walked in. 1867 St. Laurent Blvd., 613-991-3044. sciencetech.technomuses.ca

ARTISTIC INTEGRITY
One of the world's most respected art institutions, the National Gallery of Canada houses work by many of history's most influential artists. Some of the art world's most revered travelling exhibitions stop to grace the Gallery's walls, but the permanent collection is what makes it great: Monet and Dali make their home in the European and American Art Collection; The Group of Seven and Alex Colville reside in the Canadian Art Collection; and the photographs of William Henry Fox Talbot and Walker Evans rest in the Photography Collection, to name but a few. 380 Sussex Dr., 613-990-1985. gallery.ca

LEST WE FORGET
Canada's extensive military history can be explored through the groundbreaking collection at the state-of-the-art Canadian War Museum. From the wars of the First Peoples, through the First and Second World Wars, and up to the peacekeeping missions and conflicts of today, visitors can travel through the ages and get a feel for what the men and women of Canada's military lived through -- and are still living through. Get up close and personal with dozens of full-sized tanks, jets and marine equipment. Sneak a peak at Adolf Hitler's limousine. Visit the solemn tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Explore the vast records and documents in the Military History Research Centre. Few museum collections can boast as many authentic and important artefacts as the War Museum, so set aside several hours if you want to see it all. 1 Vimy Place, 819-776-8600. warmuseum.ca

ON THE MONEY
This year, the Royal Canadian Mint is celebrating 100 years of making money. Commemorate this milestone by checking out the array of collector coins, medals, tokens and more on site, and see for yourself how the money we use every day is fabricated (the Mint produces all of Canada's circulation coins). It also operates the oldest gold refinery in the western hemisphere -- since 1911, the Mint has been making some of the purest and finest gold in the world. A stop at the gift shop is a must for any collector, avid or otherwise -- a selection like this can't be found anywhere else. 320 Sussex Dr., 613-993-8990; 1-800-276-7714; Tours: 613-993-0333. mint.ca