Summer Tours
Ongoing Tours
BUILDING TOURS
The Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building (where OMAH is housed) has a history as storied as any of its artefacts. Book a Building Tour to get the full ‘Behind the Scenes’ experience as we walk back through time to explore the OMAH building. View remnants of when the building was a federal post office and customs house (1894-1956) before becoming the Orillia Police Station and Court House (1956-1977)
Please book a building tour in advance, by calling 705-326-2159.
PRIVATE TOURS
Option 1: Historical Building Tour
The Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building (where OMAH is housed) has a history as storied as any of its artifacts. In this tour option, your group will learn about our building’s early years as a customs house, its eventual transition to the Orillia Museum of Art & History, and everything in between.
Our expert guide will share information and stories while giving you a behind the scenes look at this fascinating building, including a glimpse inside our historic clock tower.
Option 2: Art Appreciation Tour
If you have a group that is interested in art, then this tour option is for you. Our expert guide will take you through several current exhibitions and discuss the themes, techniques, and history related to the works on display. No knowledge of art is necessary for this tour, just come ready to experience amazing artworks and learn something new.
Booking Information
Minimum number of participants: six
Maximum number of participants: 30
Cost per participant: $7.08+ HST ($8.00 HST included)
Booking procedure: All tours must be booked two weeks prior to desired tour date. Bookings can be made by emailing the Operations Coordinator at visitors@orilliamuseum.org or by calling 705-326-2159 during opening hours.
Cancellation policy: To receive a refund, you must cancel your tour at least 48 hours before the scheduled start. Please notify us of your cancellation by sending an email to Monica Szegvary.
BACKPACK TOURS FOR CHILDREN
On your next visit, plan to rent an OMAH Backpack to inspire your children to engage with the museum in a fun and interactive way.
Each backpack is filled with a variety of hands-on games that relate to art and history. Backpacks also include a scavenger hunt and a storybook. Children can wear the backpack around the museum and use its contents to help explore the exhibitions.
Each backpack is unique!
$5 per backpack or free with a family membership
HISTORICAL ORILLIA - VIRTUAL TOUR
Run-time: 41 minutes
Throughout the summer we offer a downtown guided walking tour called “Historical Orillia.” Now we bring you a virtual version of that tour, great for classrooms or seniors homes. For individual pricing please contact us. “Historical Orillia” is a tour through the people, places and events that shaped our city. We discuss athletics, music, indigenous history, education and much more. Get to know the rich history of Orillia by joining your guide for a virtual tour.
Pricing for the tour
$30 for video link
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A LINK TO THE TOUR
HERITAGE ORILLIA ART & HISTORY BUS TOURS
Available for group bookings. For more information, click HERE.
Address
HOURS:
TUESDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM
WEDNESDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM
THURSDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM
FRIDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM
SATURDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
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Land Acknowledgement
The Orillia Museum of Art & History is located on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We respect and observe the long and enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples – First Nations, Metis and Inuit – on this land. Their teachings and stewardship, culture and way of life have shaped our City’s unique identity.
In acknowledging that we occupy colonized Indigenous territories, and out of respect for the rights of Indigenous people, we accept our collective responsibility to recognize our colonial histories as well as their present-day manifestations in order to honour, protect, and sustain this land.