Canada's Penitentiary Museum (Correctional Service of Canada Museum)
About This Museum
Tucked away on King Street, right across from the old Portsmouth Harbour, our museum sits in a former warden's residence that's seen its fair share of Kingston's history. This isn't your typical quiet museum; it tells the raw, human stories of life behind the stone walls of Canada's first penitentiary. You'll find yourself face-to-face with inmate-made weapons, heartbreakingly intricate contraband art, and even the old gallows that once stood in the prison yard. Itβs a place that truly makes you pause and reflect on justice and redemption.
Collection Highlights
Look for 'The Hopper,' a terrifying restraint chair, alongside beautiful yet forbidden items crafted by inmates from scraps. Don't miss the collection of illicit tools and the sobering exhibit on capital punishment in Canada.
Visitor Information
We're easy to find at 555 King Street West. Best to check our current hours online before you pop in, as they can change with the seasons. Parking is available nearby, and there's no charge for admission, though donations are always appreciated to help keep our stories alive.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a handsome limestone structure, a classic example of the sturdy and solemn institutional architecture you find throughout historic Kingston.
Contact & Location
Address: Canada's Penitentiary Museum, 555, King Street West, Portsmouth, Kingston, Eastern Ontario, Ontario, K7M 6G4, Canada
Phone: +1 613-530-3122
Website: Visit Website