Sometimes referred to as Canada’s museum capital, Kingston is home to an incredible 30+ museums, galleries, and historic sites. Several have fascinating online collections, exhibits, and activities that make spending time at home a little easier and a little more educational.

Digital Agnes

Presenting an impressive collection of digital publications, interactive content, virtual tours, and videos, Digital Agnes makes parts of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre’s collection accessible at home. Dig into a full academic lecture about European art, learn about Rembrandt through short videos, or explore historical artists through a variety of mediums like poetry, images, and interviews with experts.

Museum of Health Care

The history of health care is at your fingertips through a series of online exhibits available on the Museum of Health Care website. Learn about vaccines and immunization, the healing power of plants, and the history of Medicare in Canada. Plus, the site has a few fun online activities.

Kingston Frontenac Public Library

Recognizing that many families are spending more time than usual at home, the Kingston Frontenac Public Library has made 1000s of e-books available for free via Tumblebooks – no library card required! Collections include children’s books, K-6 math, grade 7-12 subjects, all ages audio books, and even romance novels for those looking for an escape – and the e-books are available instantly.

Military Communications and Electronics Museum

Dedicated to providing insights into the history of Canadian military communications, the Military Communications and Electronics Museum has several online exhibitions that explore the development and application of communications technology.

Kingston City Hall Virtual Tour

Kingston’s City Hall has hosted many different organizations and services over the years including a bank, a saloon, church groups, theatre productions, a courtroom and a women’s medical school. Learn more about City Hall’s fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and the intriguing people, events, and stories associated with this national historic site through an interactive virtual tour.

The Original Hockey Hall of Fame

Kingston has a long association with hockey – the first organized game of hockey happened in Kingston in 1886. The Original Hockey Hall of Fame presents a series of online stories that explore Kingston’s connections with our country’s favourite game. Learn about Kingston’s golden era of hockey, Kirk Muller and his Stanley Cup-winning goal, and Kingston’s most decorated Olympian, Jayna Hefford.

PumpHouse

The City of Kingston has an extensive collection of locally, provincially, and nationally significant Canadian Art, many of which were donated by the former Art Collection Society of Kingston in 1988. A selection of significant works has been brought ‘out of the vault’ and made available online.

Murney Tower Virtual Tour

Built in 1846 as part of the defensive Martello tower fortifications of Kingston, Murney Tower has three floors displaying a collection of military and domestic artifacts of 19th-century Kingston. Experience the tower through this virtual tour, which features 360 degree views and fascinating information about the site in both French and English.

Frontenac County Schools Museum

The Frontenac County Schools Museum provides free downloadable guidelines on crafts, games and outdoor activities that can be done at home – all in nineteenth-century style.

Bellevue House Virtual Tour

This tour will let you move around the Bellevue House in your browser with the click of a button, at any speed you want. Take your time to go through the rooms, and stop to read the points of interest all over the house! Open the virtual tour.

Are you interested in the history of Kingston? Check out more museums in Kingston!