The national museums are responsible for "preserving and promoting the heritage of Canada and all its peoples" and serving as "a source of inspiration, research, learning and entertainment... in both official languages.
The Bank of Canada Museum in Ottawa, Correctional Service of Canada Museum in Kingston, and the National Historic Sites of Canada operated by Parks Canada across the country are all examples of museums administered by federal agencies but outside the national museums system.
The National Museums of Canada Corporation (NMC) (French: Société des musées nationaux du Canada) was created in 1967.
The corporation was formalized under The National Museums Act which took effect on 1 April 1968.
Four of the museums are incorporated as independent Crown corporations that report to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.