Civic Museum
Celebrating Guelph’s stories!
The Guelph Civic Museum showcases Guelph’s history through permanent and changing exhibits, a fun and interactive families gallery, and special events and activities. Located in the recently renovated Loretto Convent, atop the hill at Norfolk Street and beside the landmark Church of Our Lady, the museum is home to a collection of over 30,000 artifacts that bring Guelph’s past to life.2012
Guelph Civic Museum opens at 52 Norfolk Street, the former Loretto Convent.2000
The "Growing Up in Guelph Children’s Museum" opens at the Civic Museum. The popular children’s gallery attracts many more visitors and significantly increases the number of family memberships.1980
Guelph Civic Museum opens at 6 Dublin Street South, a commercial limestone building built c.1855. The building had many uses over the years but was most recently known as the Knights of Columbus Hall.1967
Canada’s Centennial Year. The Museum opens in its first home in the horse stables, now the Farmer’s Market.1960's
Members of the Guelph Historical Society begin to collect artifacts and displays are mounted in store fronts and community centres.
Darkness and Light: Inside the Ontario Reformatory
Civic Museum 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaFor over 100 years, the Ontario Reformatory/Guelph Correctional Centre was imbedded in lives of the people of Guelph. The exhibition shares stories from within the institution, addressing misconceptions, propaganda, and myths – some perpetuated by the institution itself and recounted in public archives. Officially opened in 1911, the Ontario Reformatory evolved to be many things,…
Fourth Friday: Miranda Journey
Civic Museum 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaFourth Fridays burst with a celebration of music, history, creativity and community connection. Each month, enjoy free admission to the Civic Museum from 5–9 pm, with live performances starting at 7 pm. For our March Fourth Friday the effervescent Miranda Journey will bring a special spark to the stage. A gifted storyteller, she incorporates unique sonic…
PD Day: Celebrate Spring
Civic Museum 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaLeap into Spring and take inspiration from the blooming flowers! Make your own forever-bouquet with pipe-cleaners, felt, and other textiles. Enjoy toys and games. Explore the entire museum, and take quick 15-minute Behind-the-Scenes tours of collections vaults
Pysanka Egg Decorating Workshop
Civic Museum 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaUkrainian artist Nataliia Kuchka teaches the rich traditions and symbolism behind the ancient art form of pysanka as participants learn the intricate wax-resist technique to create beautifully decorated eggs. This hands-on workshop offers beginners and experienced artists a unique opportunity to explore Ukrainian culture and craftsmanship in a welcoming setting. All materials provided. Spaces are…
Tales From the Hill: Guelph Guild of Storytellers
Civic Museum 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaTales from the Hill is presented by the Guelph Guild of Storytellers and features a guest teller in addition to Guild tellers. The evening includes hot cider, light refreshments, and conversation. Guests are invited to register a telling or participate during the open mic storytelling. Tales from the Hill runs on the second Wednesday or Thursday…
Fourth Friday: Shane Phillips
Civic Museum 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaFourth Fridays burst with a celebration of music, history, creativity and community connection. Each month, enjoy free admission to the Civic Museum from 5–9 pm, with live performances starting at 7 pm. This month, experience the museum like never before as Fourth Friday is part of our Doors Open After Dark celebrations. Free admission begins…
Doors Open After Dark
Civic Museum 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, CanadaExperience the museum like never before with a night of art, music, and immersive experiences! Free admission begins at 5 p.m., activations run from 6 p.m. to midnight, and local artist Shane Philips presents a soulful concert at 7 p.m. Throughout the evening, join Joni Neh Rita for interactive body percussion and community song-making; take a behind-the-scenes tour of museum collection vaults;…
