Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Campus art museum featuring Canadian art, Indigenous artifacts, historical dress, and masterworks like Rembrandt.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Agnes Etherington Art Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Campus art museum featuring Canadian art, Indigenous artifacts, historical dress, and masterworks like Rembrandt.
"A gem with diverse art, from Indigenous pieces to Rembrandt, though check exhibition status."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be limited and specific to smaller vehicles. Check options beforehand.
💰 Donation Welcome
Entry is often free, but donations are encouraged to support the gallery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bader Gallery Masterpieces
Bader Gallery
Home to renowned works, including pieces by Rembrandt and other masters. A must-see for art enthusiasts.
Indigenous and Inuit Art
Canadian Indigenous/Inuit Art Exhibit
Explore a significant collection of Canadian Indigenous and Inuit art, offering deep cultural insights.
Historical Dress Collection
Historical Dress Exhibit
Discover intricate historical clothing and textiles, showcasing fashion through the ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Exhibition Status
Donation-Based Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be limited and specific to smaller vehicles. Check options beforehand.
💰 Donation Welcome
Entry is often free, but donations are encouraged to support the gallery.
📅 Check Exhibition Status
Confirm which exhibits are open, as some may be closed for renovations.
🖼️ Diverse Collections
Explore modern, contemporary, and historic art, including Indigenous and masterworks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be limited and specific to smaller vehicles. Check options beforehand.
💰 Donation Welcome
Entry is often free, but donations are encouraged to support the gallery.
📅 Check Exhibition Status
Confirm which exhibits are open, as some may be closed for renovations.
🖼️ Diverse Collections
Explore modern, contemporary, and historic art, including Indigenous and masterworks.
🎶 Event Venue
The centre hosts various events, from music festivals to art workshops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Agnes Etherington Art Centre for its diverse and high-quality art collections, including impressive masterworks and significant Indigenous art. The donation-based entry is appreciated, and the 'House of Agnes' is noted for its beautiful decor. However, some visitors have expressed disappointment with limited exhibition spaces during renovations and challenges with on-site parking and accessibility for families.
"Great artwork on display. During the time of our visit, only 1 exhibit was open. It was dedicated to showcasing famous Canadian Indeginous/Inuit art. Other parts of the gallery were closed for renovations.
Ticket purchases were not required put rather a donation to the gallery is required.
We donated $20"
Tino Soni
"First off, you can go to this place for free. They have really good selection of art. Modern, contemporary, historic. Bader gallery where Rembrandt and company was displayed was our favorite. Covid protocols are being followed, masks and sanitizers are available for everyone. House of Agnes was beautifully decorated. You could easily spend hours here. The whole place was sparkling clean and well appointed. The staff were all friendly and courteous. Can't wait to bring my daughters here."
Elhgyne A.
"An absolute disappointment. The temporary space is a single room. The work was limited and uninspiring. Attendant was uninformed
about the off-site spaces."
Beth Stewart
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre is located on Queen's University campus. While public transport options are available in Kingston, parking directly at the centre can be challenging and is often restricted to smaller vehicles. Visitors have noted difficulties finding convenient parking, especially if driving larger cars.
Parking at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre is limited and can be difficult to access, particularly for larger vehicles. It's advisable to check the university's parking regulations or consider alternative transportation methods.
Yes, you can visit without a car. Kingston has public transportation, and the centre is situated on the Queen's University campus, making it accessible via walking or local transit from other parts of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, admission to the Agnes Etherington Art Centre is free, with a donation encouraged. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any special exhibition ticketing or changes in policy.
The operating hours for the Agnes Etherington Art Centre can vary, and some sections may be closed for renovations or off-site exhibitions. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current hours of operation and exhibition status before your visit.
Yes, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre often operates on a donation basis, meaning entry is free, but visitors are encouraged to contribute financially to support the institution.
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre frequently hosts special events, workshops, and exhibitions, including music festivals and art printing sessions. Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements. 
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre has partnered with experts to offer free 15-minute consultations for artwork and object evaluations during specific events like 'Doors Open Kingston & Area'.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre features a diverse collection, including modern and contemporary art, historical Canadian art, Indigenous artifacts, historical dress, and masterworks like those found in the Bader Gallery.
Many visitors highlight the Bader Gallery, featuring works by Rembrandt and company, as a favorite. The collections of Canadian Indigenous/Inuit art and historical dress are also highly recommended.
While the centre offers diverse art, some visitors have noted challenges with accessibility for families, particularly regarding parking. However, the art collections themselves can be engaging for children.
The 'Patterns for All Bodies' project involves creating scaled and notated patterns from the historical clothing collection at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, often re-imagined by designers and showcased in exhibitions.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to check for signage or ask staff on-site regarding permission for photography, especially for specific artworks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on on-site dining is not widely available. Visitors often explore dining options in the surrounding Kingston area or on the Queen's University campus.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can differ for various exhibitions. While some TikTok videos show exploration of antique shops with unique items, it's crucial to respect the gallery's specific guidelines regarding photography of artworks. Always look for signage or inquire with staff.
While specific photo spots aren't frequently highlighted, the diverse art collections, including historical dress and masterworks, offer visually rich opportunities. The 'House of Agnes' has also been described as beautifully decorated.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to check the current exhibition schedule to ensure there are displays that will appeal to younger visitors and to plan your transportation accordingly, perhaps opting for public transit or a drop-off if parking proves too difficult. The centre's commitment to community events also means there might be family-friendly workshops or activities happening during your visit.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Exploring the 'Patterns for All Bodies' project provides a unique perspective on historical textiles and contemporary design.
+1 Keep an eye on their event calendar for special exhibitions, lectures, or workshops that align with your interests, as these often provide deeper insights into specific collections or themes. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Collections
Beyond paintings, the centre also preserves a fascinating collection of historical dress, offering insights into fashion and social history. This diverse range ensures that there is something to capture the interest of every visitor, from seasoned art historians to casual observers. The 'Patterns for All Bodies' project, which uses these historical garments to create new patterns, highlights the centre's commitment to engaging with its collection in innovative ways.
+1Recent exhibitions have also showcased contemporary diasporic art and explored themes of solidarity through printmaking, demonstrating the Agnes Etherington Art Centre's dedication to presenting a dynamic and relevant artistic dialogue.
+2Community Engagement and Events
+1The 'Patterns for All Bodies' project, a collaboration involving historical clothing and contemporary design, exemplifies the centre's innovative approach to its collection and its connection to local artists and designers.
+1 Furthermore, the centre has been involved in projects that interpret Kingston's history through artistic lenses, such as drag-interpreted exhibitions, showcasing a commitment to diverse perspectives and cultural storytelling. These initiatives underscore the Agnes Etherington Art Centre's role as a vibrant cultural space that fosters dialogue, creativity, and a deeper understanding of art and history within the Kingston community and beyond. The centre also offers opportunities for art appraisal consultations during special events, further solidifying its community outreach.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit