Museums

Plan to visit the museums or art centre to learn about the history, arts and culture of Kenora and Lake of the Woods.

The Muse – Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre

The Muse is two facilities dedicated to Kenora's history, art, and culture. You can find The Muse campus in Memorial Park on the southern end of Main Street, at 300 and 224 Main Street South in Kenora. 

The Muse Hours

• September to June: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• June and July: Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Lake of the Woods Museum

Nestled in the heart of Kenora, the Lake of the Woods Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. With exhibits designed for all all ages, the Museum offers a captivating journey through the rich history of Kenora and the Lake of the Woods the region.  

Since its founding in 1964, it has been a cornerstone of the community and a true reflection of Kenora's vibrant past. The Museum houses over 25,000 physical objects, and over 100,000 photographs. Visitors can explore the permanent gallery, which tells the story of Kenora’s past, and an ever changing array of temporary exhibitions. The Museum hosts a variety of public programming throughout the year, both for kids and for adults. 

The Lake of the Woods Museum also acts as a regional archive. Call or stop by and the friendly staff would love to help point you in the right direction on your family history or research project.

The Douglas Family Art Centre

The Douglas Family Art Centre is a public art gallery. It opened in 2019, and was made possible by the work of two longtime residents of the Lake of the Woods area, Nicki and Bryce Douglas.  

The Douglas Family Art Centre is a vibrant space that presents opportunities for students and guests of all ages to learn about art, and for the arts community to share ideas and develop their talents. The Art Centre produces art exhibitions based on its founding collection of W.J. Phillips, as well as its growing collection of Woodland style artwork. The Art Centre also hosts travelling exhibits produced by local, regional, and national artists year round. 

There are opportunities to learn and practice in the Art Centre as well. The Art Centre employs a full time art programmer who hosts classed for children, teens, adults, and seniors. The Art Centre also hosts travelling artists and teachers for workshops and events. The Douglas Family Art Centre hosts programming for all skill levels! 

The Art Centre and Museum are both available to rent for meetings, birthday parties, gatherings, and cultural events.  

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, curious tourist, a visitor seeking to explore local culture, or someone looking to discover great art, The Muse: Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre provides an enriching and inspiring experience in the heart of Kenora. 

Follow The Muse on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on exhibitions, programming, and events. 

Lake of the Woods Railroaders Museum

Take a tour through the Railroaders Museum to learn about railroading history in Kenora and Canada. Inside there is a model railroad and railway memorabilia. Outside you can climb up and peek in the windows of a caboose.

Find the Railroaders Museum at the corner of Lakeview Drive and Norman Drive, near the Splash Park, Norman Park, and Dairy Queen.