All person & artist museums to visit in Ontario

Explore the lives and works of notable individuals at 20 museums in Ontario dedicated to specific persons and artists. These museums offer a deep dive into their contributions and legacy.

Are you curious about the lives of remarkable individuals? Here are the top person and artist museums in Ontario:

  1. Bata Shoe Museum1

    Bata Shoe Museum

     Toronto
    The Bata Shoe Museum, located in Toronto, Canada, is a unique institution dedicated to the history of footwear. The museum was officially opened to the public on May 6, 1995, and since then, it has been a significant cultural landmark in the city.
  2. Castle Kilbride2

    Castle Kilbride

     Baden
    Castle Kilbride, located in Baden, Ontario, is a significant historical site in Canada. It was the former residence of James Livingston, a notable Canadian member of parliament and owner of flax and linseed oil mills. The castle was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in March 1994, marking its importance in the country's history.
  3. Gibson House Museum3

    Gibson House Museum

     Toronto
    Gibson House is a historical museum situated in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is conveniently located on Yonge Street, in the North York Centre neighbourhood of the former city of North York. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
  4. The R. Tait Mckenzie Memorial Museum4

    The R. Tait Mckenzie Memorial Museum

     Mississippi Mills
    One of the key features of the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area is an 1830s grist mill. This mill was once the summer home and sculpture studio of R. Tait McKenzie, a medical doctor, sculptor, and native of Ramsay Township. McKenzie's connection to the mill adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the site.
  5. Mcmichael Canadian Art Collection5

    Mcmichael Canadian Art Collection

     Vaughan
    The McMichael Canadian Art Collection (MCAC) is a renowned art museum situated in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. The museum is nestled on a sprawling 100-acre property in the charming village of Kleinburg. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it an ideal destination for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  6. Billy Bishop Museum6

    Billy Bishop Museum

     Owen Sound
    The Billy Bishop Home & Museum, located in Owen Sound, Ontario, is a National Historic Site of Canada. It is dedicated to commemorating the life and achievements of World War I flying ace and Victoria Cross winner Air Marshall William Avery "Billy" Bishop. The museum is situated in Bishop's birthplace and childhood home, providing a unique insight into the early life of this decorated serviceman.
  7. Bellevue House National Historic Site7

    Bellevue House National Historic Site

     Kingston
    Bellevue House National Historic Site, located in Kingston, Ontario, served as the residence of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John Alexander Macdonald, from 1848 to 1849. This historical significance makes it a notable destination for those interested in Canadian history and politics.
  8. Parkwood National Historic Site8

    Parkwood National Historic Site

     Oshawa
    The Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, Ontario, is a significant historical site as it was the residence of Samuel McLaughlin, the founder of General Motors of Canada. The McLaughlin family lived in this residence from 1917 until 1972, making it a place of historical significance and interest.
  9. Richmond Hill Heritage Centre9

    Richmond Hill Heritage Centre

     Richmond Hill
    The Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, is a significant example of 1840s Regency-style architecture. This historical dwelling provides a glimpse into the architectural style and aesthetics of the mid-19th century, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time.
  10. Laura Secord Homestead10

    Laura Secord Homestead

     Niagara-on-the-Lake
    Visit a nicely restored mansion of a woman who was one of the most important figures in the War of 1812. You can learn more about her here.
  11. Barnum House Museum11

    Barnum House Museum

     Grafton
    The Barnum House holds the distinction of being the first house museum to open in Ontario. It was restored and opened to the public by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario in 1940. This makes it a significant site for those interested in the preservation and celebration of architectural history.
  12. Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History12

    Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

     Chatham-Kent
    The Josiah Henson Museum of African Canadian History is an open-air museum located in Dresden, Ontario, Canada. The museum is dedicated to documenting the life of Josiah Henson, a runaway slave, abolitionist, and minister who served as the inspiration for the title character in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. In addition to Henson's life, the museum also explores the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad.
  13. Art Gallery of Hamilton13

    Art Gallery of Hamilton

     Hamilton
    The Art Gallery of Hamilton, abbreviated as AGH, is a renowned art museum nestled in the heart of the Canadian city, Hamilton. The main building of the museum is conveniently located in the city centre on King Street West, making it easily accessible for tourists. Additionally, the museum also has a branch on James Street North, providing visitors with more options to explore the rich collection of artworks.
  14. Museum London14

    Museum London

     London
    Museum London, situated in London, Ontario, Canada, is a renowned institution that houses both art and history exhibits. This museum offers a unique blend of historical artifacts and artistic masterpieces, providing a comprehensive cultural experience for visitors.
  15. Dionne Quints Museum15

    Dionne Quints Museum

     North Bay
    History of the Dionne Quintuplets On May 28, 1934, five identical girls were born to Oliva and Elzire Dionne, a Franco-Ontario family in the tiny community of Corbeil, Ontario. Their births were a miracle of its time during the difficult Depression, the only quintuplets to survive more than a few d
  16. 16

    The Japan Foundation, Toronto

     Toronto
    A Japanese cultural centre, offering traditional Japanese arts exhibition, dramatic performances and public readings.
  17. 17

    Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

     London
    The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, located in London, Ontario, is a unique institution that has been recognizing the contributions of living and deceased Canadians to the field of health since 1994. It is the only national hall of fame in the world dedicated to medicine. The hall of fame works in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
  18. 18

    Art Gallery of Mississauga

     Mississauga
    The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a public, not-for-profit art gallery that is situated in the Mississauga Civic Centre on Celebration Square. This location is conveniently located across from the Square One Mall, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The gallery is open six days a week, with Mondays being the only day it is closed. Admission to the gallery is free, and it offers guided exhibition tours, regular art social events, workshops for adult learners, and youth programmes for schools, universities, and community groups.
  19. 19

    North Lanark Regional Museum

     Mississippi Mills
    The North Lanark Regional Museum, located in Ontario, Canada, was established and is managed by the North Lanark Historical Society. The museum's primary mission is to collect, preserve, and display the history of Mississippi Mills, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the area's past.
  20. 20

    Bobby Orr Hall of Fame

     Parry Sound
    The Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts is a unique combination of a performance hall and sports museum located in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada. This venue offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors, from enjoying live performances to exploring the history of sports in the region.