Arts & Culture
Museums
Kingston is home to more than 20 museums, each with its own special theme or focus. A large number of museums celebrate Kingston's rich political, military and marine history. Some examples are:
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston
- Pump House and Steam Museum
- Princess of Wales' Own Regiment Military Museum
- Military Communications and Electronics Museum
- Royal Military College Museum
- Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation
- Murney Tower
- Bellevue House
- Fort Henry
Other Kingston museums explore a variety of different subjects including health care, Kingston-area penitentiaries, the region's geology, the history of hockey, schools, woodworking technology, and scouting.
Kingston museums are popular with local residents and visitors. A detailed guide to the museums of Kingston, including their hours of operation and location, can be found on the city's website (see For More Information links below).
Symphony
The city is home to a full-time professional symphony orchestra that performs in concerts from September through to the end of July. The orchestra was founded in 1953 and has grown to more than 55 members. The Kingston Symphony Association is the umbrella organization for two youth orchestras, a 50-member community strings ensemble and a large choral society. The association runs a number of school and community programs designed to stimulate interest in classical music.
Other
Kingston has a vibrant arts and cultural community. Artists, musicians, dancers, actors, theatre groups, and artisans perform to both English and French audiences in venues throughout the city.
The Kingston Arts Council is the umbrella organization for the city's arts and cultural groups. The council also works closely with the municipality to distribute money to local organizations under a municipal arts fund. The Frontenac Cultural Centre promotes the production of francophone artistic events in Kingston.
For More Information
Queen’s Conservatory of MusicAn organization housed at the Queen’s University School of Music that provides courses, ensembles, workshops and performance opportunities to university students and people from the Kingston community.
Kingston Arts CouncilA guide to arts organizations in Kingston with links to activities, shows, projects, performances, calendars and committees.
Agnes Etherington Art CentreA guide to the exhibits, collections and programs at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, a community facility located on the Queen’s University campus.
Arts and Entertainment (KEDCO)An overview of arts and entertainment in Kingston, including museums, galleries, theatre, art schools, artisans, studio tours, the K-Rock Centre and Grand Theatre.
Kingston MuseumsA list of museums in Kingston, with a brief description and website links.
Le Centre culturel FrontenacInformation on the centre: their services, programs, members, journal Informel and library. Available only in French.
Grand TheatreInformation about performances, box office hours and contact information for the municipally owned Grand Theatre on Princess Street.
Kingston Symphony AssociationA guide to the concerts and special events of the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, two youth orchestras, Kingston Choral Society and Kingston Community Strings.
Orchestra KingstonOrchestra Kingston is a community orchestra composed of local amateur and professional musicians.
Cantabile ChoirsCantabile Choirs is an umbrella organization for eight choirs in Kingston.
Open Voices Community ChoirOpen Voices is a community choir that strives to be inclusive, accessible and represent the community’s diversity.
The Melos Choral EnsembleInformation about the Melos Choral Ensemble, how to join, community activities and an online newsletter.
Art GalleriesA list of art galleries in Kingston, including address, website and contact information.
KFPL Art ExhibitionsList of monthly art exhibitions held in the central branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL).
Culture DaysA Canada-wide movement to raise awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. Events and activities take place annually over the last week of September. Find out what will be happening in Kingston!
Before you arrive
After you arrive