Come visit Canada's Penitentiary Museum, the award-winning museum dedicated solely to the preservation and interpretation of the history of our federal penitentiaries!
Located at the birthplace of the Correctional Service of Canada in Kingston Ontario, the museum is housed within the former Warden's residence of Canada's oldest penitentiary.
Visitors are often surprised at the complexity of a penitentiary environment. It isn't just about crime and punishment. Learn about the forward-thinking entertainment and art programs introduced in the 1950s as you wander through the seven display rooms at your own pace. See our unparalleled collection of penitentiary-related artifacts and photographs.
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As an added bonus, during the summer months, the museum is staffed by Volunteers. Many of them are retired Correctional officers whose first-hand experiences date back to 1959!
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To encourage local tourism, the museum grounds offer a breath-taking view over Portsmouth Olympic Harbour and Lake Ontario. Many of our visitor come by just to admire the limestone architecture that has made Kingston famous the world over as "the Limestone City".
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The panorama above is of a prison cell in 1991.
The image below is of a Victorian prison cell
in 1835-1906.
Admission
Admission to the museum is by donation to the "Friends of the Penitentiary Museum at Kingston"
Charitable Organization (# 87852 0964 RR 0001).
All donations to the Friends are used for the further development of the museum and its services.
Tours of the museum are self-guided. However, when possible, volunteers are on site to answer questions. Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes to enjoy the site.
Summer (May1st - Oct 31st)
Monday - Friday: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Statutory holidays: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Please note that the last admission is 4:00pm daily.
Winter (Nov 1st - April 30th)
Monday - Friday by appointment only. Access depends upon staff availability
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There is a gift shop on site.
Join the more than 26,000 people per year who "do time at" the Penitentiary Museum...it's time well spent!
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