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Arts + Culture

Whether it’s the close connection to nature, the amazing restaurant scene, or the profound sense of community, Kingstonians are among the happiest people in the country.

A WORLD OF CULTURE

Cultural attractions in Kingston come in many forms – from historic landmarks such as Fort Henry to the wonderfully unique Woodworking Museum and a fine art collection featuring works by Rembrandt, we have it all here!

Immerse yourself in our thriving performing arts scene – Kingston is home to many unique facilities and performing arts companies that ensure incredible concerts and events happen year-round.

The Leon’s Centre is a 6,700 seat sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Kingston. It has hosted several iconic events including the Tragically Hip's last concert. The arena is also the home of the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League.

Leon's Centre

At the meticulously restored Grand Theatre, you can catch incredible performances by local theatre groups, international musicians, or an evening of live storytelling.

The Grand Theatre

The new home for the creative arts at Queen’s University, the Isabel is a hub of vibrant artistic study, creation, and performance in our community.

The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

Absolute Comedy
Blue Canoe Productions
Bottle Tree Productions

Domino Theatre
King's Town Players
Kingston Symphony Orchestra

Octave Theatre
Theatre Kingston

Kingston is Canada’s museum capital with something for everyone at over 26 museums and historic sites. From small, specialized museums to national historic treasures, you can experience Canada’s past through our many exhibits, guided tours, and special programs.

The interactive exhibits at the Museum of Health Care explore the extraordinary developments and advances made in health care over the centuries.

Museum of Health Care

Housed in the former Warden’s residence of Kingston Penitentiary, this award-winning museum has an extensive collection of artefacts and photographs. The Officer Volunteers whose first-hand experiences currently date back to the 1960s make every visit truly unique.

Canada’s Penitentiary Museum

Step back in time at the Pump House Steam Museum and explore the original steam engines that powered Kingston’s first water pumping station. Filled with games, toys and activities for inquiring minds the museum encourages the love of science and technology in visitors of all ages.

Pumphouse Steam Museum

Canadian Museum of Fraternal Lodges
Frontenac County Schools Museum
Kingston Scout Museum

MacLachlan Woodworking Museum
Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston
Military Communications and Electronics Museum

Miller Museum of Geology, Queen's University
Original Hockey Hall of Fame
Princess of Wales' Own Regiment Military Museum

Kingston has been inspiring artists for centuries. Explore our many boutique galleries to discover the next big thing or visit the old masters at the Agnes to get inspired.

Located in the Stauffer Library foyer at Queen’s University, the gallery is committed to increasing awareness and appreciation of contemporary visual arts through its exhibitions, off-site projects and experiential learning opportunities.

The Union Gallery

This non-profit volunteer run community gallery is operated by the Kingston School of Art. It provides a bright space for local artists to display their work.

Window Art Gallery

The Agnes Etherington Art Centre has an extensive collection of historical and contemporary Canadian art, one of the finest public African art collections in Canada, and several paintings by 17th-century Dutch masters including four Rembrandts.

Agnes Etherington Art Centre

Cornerstone Canadian Art & Craft
Gallery Raymond
Joanne Gervais Gallery & Studio
Kingston Glass Studio & Gallery

Martello Alley
Meraqi Art Annex
Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre
Open Studios Kingston

ReMIXTA
Studio 22 Open Gallery
Sydenham Street Studios
The Tett Centre Gallery

Established in 1673, Kingston is one of Canada’s oldest cities. Our historic treasures are numerous and include Canada’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Rideau Canal and the Kingston Fortifications.

Fort Henry, along with the Rideau Canal and the Kingston Fortifications was named Ontario’s first UNESCO Designated World Heritage Site in 2007. Visitors can experience 19th century military life through guided tours, scenic views, and meticulous military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard.

Fort Henry National Historic Site

Kingston Penitentiary has become one of the city’s most popular destinations after ceasing operations and re-opening its doors as a tourist attraction in 2013. Unlock 178 years of history when you step behind the stone walls of Canada’s oldest maximum security facility.

Kingston Penitentiary

Built in 1846, Murney Tower is one of the finest Martello Towers in North America. A museum since 1925, it has an extensive collection of 19th-century military and domestic artifacts.

Murney Tower National Historic Site

Bellevue House
Cataraqui Cemetery National Historic Site of Canada

Kingston City Hall National Historic Site of Canada
Kingston Mill Lock Station

Lower Burial Ground

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