Orillia is a community deeply rooted in art and history. Plan a day to tour these museums and galleries to learn about the history of the area, and explore the vibrant local arts community.
Orillia Museum of Art and History
30 Peter St S, Orillia
Located in Downtown Orillia in the historic Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building, the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) is a vibrant cultural hub where history and creativity come to life. The building, a designated heritage site first erected in 1894, is a fitting location to celebrate the stories of Orillia’s cultural life and early beginnings. The museum is organized with both history and art exhibits showcased evenly throughout the year, along with all-ages workshops, youth camps, and special events open to the public. With 23,000+ artifacts and a dynamic art collection, OMAH offers a unique window into the region’s past and present. Learn more.
Leacock Museum
50 Museum Dr, Orillia
Located on a beautiful 10 acre property on the shores of Lake Couchiching, sits the historic summer home of Stephen Leacock, Canada’s beloved humorist. This stately, 19-room summer home represents Stephen Leacock’s lifetime love affair with Orillia, a town he immortalized as the mythical Mariposa, in his best-seller Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town. Take a step back in time with a self guided tour or sign up for one of the guided events to learn even more about the history of the Leacock family and their Orillia estate. The museum is open for tours and events from late March until late December. Learn more.
OPP Museum
777 Memorial Avenue, Orillia
The OPP Museum is located inside Ontario Provincial Police General Headquarters in Orillia. Explore the main gallery space and get a glimpse into what life was like for officers and their families. Learn about OPP driven developments in investigation and forensic science and explore significant milestones in the organization’s development. Take a look at how the uniform has evolved over the years. Old and young alike are encouraged to try on a uniform for size and snap a photo in the detachment locker room. Find fun, interactive options for children, including games and a puppet show. There is also a great collection of vintage police vehicles on display including the fully restored and very rare 1931 Henderson motorcycle, the oldest original OPP vehicle. Learn more.
Cloud Gallery
23 Mississaga St W, Orillia
Located in a beautifully renovated 10,000 square foot building in Downtown Orillia, Cloud Gallery is home to a stunning, ever rotating collection of paintings inspired by Ontario’s natural beauty. This retail gallery features the work of 30 Ontario artists including local favourites Patricia Clemmens of Oro Medonte, and Elena Dinissuk of Washago. Browse over 75 paintings, in a variety of styles and find the perfect art piece for your home or cottage. Learn more.
Peter Street Galleries
Downtown Orillia
Take a visit to Peter Street in Downtown Orillia and find a collection of charming galleries, featuring the work of local artists. The Shadowbox has been a community staple for over 30 years. They exhibit original artwork by regional artist and every few weeks they make room for more. They also offer custom framing and a selection of fine art supplies.
At Hibernation Arts you will find the bold, vibrant textile work of owner Molly Farquharson along side the work of other artists in the region. There is also a guest wall with different artists every month.
Peter Street Fine Arts has been at the heart of the vibrant Orillia Arts District since it’s opening in 2008. The gallery is home to several talented local artists expressing their visions in a variety of mediums. Discover unique paintings created by passionate artists in watercolours, acrylics and oils as well as artisanal wood turned pieces and photographic works. Learn more.
Extend Your Stay in Orillia & Lake Country
Why not make a weekend out of your trip? Check out the area’s great accommodations.
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