orillia museum of art and history

This history/art museum is newly renovated in a heritage building that was once a post office and once a jail. It has two floors of exhibition space. The upper floor has a nice view over the lake. There are many programs for adults, youth and children. The art exhibits are challenging and intriguing. Location on a side street a few metres from Misssissaga street (Orillia's main street). Admission by donation.

Newly renovated, bright and well-laid out, spacious gallery upstairs and down, local artists and artisans wares for sale as well in a small gift shop in the lobby. By donation only, so anyone can enjoy.

Recently reopened following a major expansion the museum is definitely worth a visit. The new upper gallery is light, spacious and really pretty now looking onto the lake. Local art, local history, creative programs for children the museum is on it's way to becoming one of the focal cultural attractions of Orillia.

I have been to the museum and art gallery several times and although small their exhibits are always interesting. The staff are friendly and helpful. Great stop in Orillia

There was a limited amount of art but interesting nevertheless. A small area containing local history provided ainteresting material for children.The staff both friendly and helpful.

We are cottagers in Orillia and took my family there for the first time this past weekend. There is a very nice art gallery, but we enjoyed the historical museum displays the most. Orillia was quite the industrial town back in the early 1900s and it was neat to see examples of the numerous products including Otaco steel toys, National Hardware locks, etc. The building itself is a beautiful structure dating back to late 1800's. Definitely a worth while visit for families that like their kids to learn a thing or two about the places you visit!

Wonderfully displayed pieces, staff on hand to answer any questions without being pushy and let you spend all the time in the world you need to wander

This Museum and Art Gallery is located in the beautiful and historic Sir Sam Steele Building, that has seen many government services in its 100 or so year history. The history part is quiet small. Do remember it is the showcase for a small town. Most of the public space is dedicated to art exhibits. Exhibits range from displays by emerging artists to curated exhibits of famed Canadian painters. Gift shop area is well stocked. Also an archive area for public use. There are renovations and additional floor space planned for the near future thanks to a recent government grant.

The exhibit was small, but very interesting as Arthur was a local artist. The staff were only too welcome to share their knowledge.

The museum is new and has very small exhibit space. It literally took us about 20 minutes to go through and that was paying attention. We had expected to be there for and hour or two, but even dawdlers couldn't stretch this one out. Lovely staff members and we hope they'll expand to show the interesting history of the area.

The old Sir Sam Steele Building, a typical Federal building of brick and limestone from the turn of the last century, later the police station and jail, more recently remodelled and cleaned up and currently quite a nice art museum, with friendly and dedicated staff, well worthy of your support.