Vanislander / Festivals and Events / Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change

Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change at Royal BC Museum

You might think you know music. But imagine stepping into a space where a harmonica, a leather jacket and a psychedelic Rolls‑Royce become more than mere objects—they’re symbols of protest, identity and transformation. Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change invites you on a journey through sound and story, weaving a rhythm that challenges the status quo and compels you to listen closely. Keep reading: you’ve only just felt the first note.

Event Overview

Where: Royal BC Museum, Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC
When: May 30, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Hours: Exhibition hours align with museum open times; check official site for updates
Tickets: Included with Royal BC Museum admission ($16.95–$29.95)

What You’ll Experience

Seven Zones of Music as Movement

Walk through themed galleries—from We Shall Overcome, spotlighting civil rights-era songs, to Resurgence, showcasing Indigenous musicians blending tradition and modern protest. Each zone reveals how artists used sound to spark social change.

Iconic Artifacts to Make You Feel It

Discover Neil Young’s harmonica, Chuck D’s Public Enemy jacket, stage outfits from Elton John, and Tegan & Sara—all items that carried real stories of resistance. Even John Lennon’s psychedelic 1965 Rolls‑Royce Phantom V lounges in the museum lobby.

Interactive Storytelling

Receive a scannable disc at entry and explore listening stations, a dive‑bar styled set, a retro record store, and archive mini‑theatres—all designed to pull you into the voices behind the music.

Local Beats

This edition of the exhibit adds British Columbia stories—from Snotty Nose Rez Kids’ Indigenous hip-hop to punk echoes in Victoria’s East Side music scene—making it deeply local and resonant.

Why Visit?

Deeply Relevant

Learn how music has shaped movements—from women’s rights to climate justice and Indigenous resurgence.

Visually and Emotionally Captivating

The display spices up learning with vibrant visuals and immersive spaces.

All‑Ages Friendly

Designed to engage families, art lovers, history buffs and activists alike.

Victoria’s Standout Cultural Experience

A limited-run exhibit you can’t afford to miss.

Practical Info for Visitors

Location & Getting There

The Royal BC Museum sits at 675 Belleville Street, Victoria, along the Inner Harbour—within walking distance of downtown hotels, the Parliament buildings and the Empress Hotel. Public transit routes 3, 27 and others serve the nearby area.

Ticketing

Exhibit is included with standard Royal BC Museum admission. Purchase tickets in advance online at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca for best availability.

Visitor Tips

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience the exhibit—longer if you engage with every interactive station.
Audio and video components may require headphones provided onsite—feel free to arrive early to avoid queues.
Photography for personal use is usually welcome, but always check signage and respect museum policies.
Don’t miss After Hours: Rock On, adult‑only evening events that pair the exhibit with DJ sets, drinks and immersive pop‑ups.
Combine your visit with IMAX Victoria’s Music Month film screenings for a bonus cultural outing.

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