Mississauga, ON – May 10, 2024
by Lejla Pepeljak
International Museums Day is on May 18! Established in 1977, The International Council of Museums (ICOM), based worldwide, aim to highlight the importance of museums across the globe and to unify them in this effort every year on the 18th.
ICOM has determined this year’s theme as: “Museums, Education, and Research,” which underscores the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience. This day pushes for a more conscious, sustainable and inclusive world according to their website.
Across the Region of Peel there are many places to explore and learn from this Museum Day. From heritage sites that showcase the history of architecture and the city like Benares House and PAMA to newer spaces that allow for creativity like MiMuseum and VAM.
Check out what these places of arts and culture have to offer for the upcoming season!
(Reminder: These organizations may have unique hours of operation or require bookings in advance)
Historic Spaces
Bradley Museum* (Clarkson)
The two-acre Bradley Museum site is on the edge of Lake Ontario, nestled in a 70-year-old maple grove. It features four heritage buildings.
Benares Historic House* (Clarkson)
Benares was home to four generations of the Harris and Sayers families. Today, more than 95% of the artifacts on display are original to the Harris family and the home. These include furniture, dishes, letters and pictures.
Leslie Log House* (Streetsville)
The Leslie Log House, built in 1826, is one of the oldest remaining log homes in Ontario. It houses archives related to the history of Streetsville.
Small Arms Inspection Building* (Port Credit)
The Small Arms Inspection Building was designed in 1940. It was used as a large munitions plant for the Canadian Army through the Second World War until 1974. In 2017, the City purchased the building to renovate it into a bright, multi-purpose, open-concept arts and culture venue.
The Grange (Caledon)
Heritage Mississauga is located in the Historic Robinson – Adamson House which is nestled on the scenic landscape known as The Grange. The Grange” now stands restored to its full beauty, and designated by the Ontario Heritage Trust as a significant historical and architectural landmark owned by many in its long history.
*Part of Museums of Mississauga
Arts Related
AGM – Art Gallery of Mississauga (City Centre)
The Art Gallery of Mississauga (AGM) is a public, not-for-profit, art gallery that was founded in 1987, opening its doors in the new Mississauga Civic Centre that same year. The AGM presents a changing calendar of contemporary, thought-provoking, engaging and accessible exhibitions featuring regional, national and international artists.
VAM – Visual Arts Mississauga (Riverwood)
The property has a rich history; it was a local Haudenosaunee hunting ground in the 1400s, housed early farmsteads in the 1800s, and became a private country estate in the early 1900s. VAM provides fine art courses and creative opportunities serving the Greater Mississauga Area through art-making.
LAC – Living Arts Centre (City Centre)
Living Arts Centre is a premier arts and culture facility located in the heart of downtown Mississauga since 1997. LAC houses a stunning landmark atrium, three presentation-ready theatres, seven professional craft studios and even a restaurant.
PAMA – Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (Downtown Brampton)
The Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA) showcases Peel’s remarkable diversity, culture, and history. It also includes 4 heritage buildings, some of the oldest in the Region of Peel.
Cultural Spaces
Lithuanian Museum – Archives of Canada (Stavebank)
One of a kind museum dedicated to the history and culture of Lithuanian Canadians. It preserves and commemorates the history of this culture through exhibitions, events and timelines digitally and in-person.
The Egyptian Museum (Riverview)
Highlights the history of Ancient Egypt in great detail spanning three distinct periods. The Museum and The Cultural Centre aims at taking grasp of the diversity of Egypt’s heritage of monuments and arts through replicas needed to be shown in one place in one location to maintain and preserve this huge legacy.
Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada (Malton)
The Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada has become a strong community partner in educating Canadians about the history of Sikhs through SHMC exhibits, lectures, and events.
MiMuseum (City Centre)
MiMuseum is a fusion of entertainment and education, offering a unique experience for everyone through illusion art and spaces.