RELEASE — Beginning June 10, residents and visitors are invited to learn about Kingston City Hall’s fascinating history, beautiful architecture – and about the intriguing people, events, and stories associated with this National Historic Site.
Kingston City Hall’s attractions include one of the finest collections of mayoral portraits in North America, with 61 portraits dating as far back as the 1840s. The tour also includes visits to the 1840s jail cells in the lockup gallery, inside City Hall’s clock tower, Memorial Hall and more.
“Our volunteers, students, and staff are excited to welcome visitors back into City Hall” says Kevin Gibbs, Manager, Heritage Programming. “City Hall tours provide an opportunity to learn about Kingston’s diverse communities, local history and government, while exploring the architecture and features of an important national historic site.”
The free guided tours last approximately 45 minutes and run:
- Monday through Saturday
- 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Tours start in the main lobby of City Hall and can be enjoyed on a drop-in basis. For the best experience, tours are limited to 20 people so you can guarantee your space by signing up in advance for the next session at the tour desk located in the main lobby.
Advance notice is requested for groups larger than 6 people and school groups. To book your free group tour of City Hall, email CityHallTours@CityofKingston.ca or call 613-544-7867.
Tours are offered in French, German, Mandarin and Turkish, to arrange a tour in one of these languages call 613-544-7867.
City Hall is located at 216 Ontario St., and easily accessible from public transit with nearby stops being King Street E. at City Hall (east side) and City Hall (north side of Brock). There are also several parking options including on street and municipal lots. See a full list of downtown municipal lots here
City Hall has an amazing team of volunteer tour guides and ambassadors each year who share stories about the artifacts, historic figures and portraits housed inside City Hall. Are you interested in becoming a City Hall tour guide? New volunteer guides are always needed and interested persons are encouraged to contact us for more information by emailing CityHallTours@cityofkingston.ca or call 613-544-7867.
Release: City of Kingston
Photo: Doug Kerr (cc)
