Canada's
Penitentiary
Museum
Come visit Canada's Penitentiary Museum, the award-winning museum dedicated solely to the preservation and interpretation of the history of our federal penitentiaries. Located at the birthplace of the Correctional Service of Canada in Kingston Ontario, the museum is housed within Cedarhedge, which once housed the wardens of Kingston Penitentiary.
HOURS OF OPERATION 2025:
We are closed
Reopening in May 2026
ADMISSION
Charitable Donation
PARKING
555 King Street West
For tickets and information about the KP Tours across the street, please visit https://www.kingstonpentour.com/
We Are Hiring!
Canada’s Penitentiary Museum is seeking Museum Attendants for the 2026 summer season. Museum Attendants play an important role in welcoming and guiding visitors, ensuring exhibits and facilities are safe and well maintained, and supporting the Museum’s daily operations. Responsibilities also include operating the gift shop, providing excellent customer service, and assisting the Curator with tasks as needed. This position offers an excellent opportunity to share Canada’s correctional history with a wide audience while gaining hands-on experience in museum operations.
This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week) from the end of April to early September.
For full details and instructions on how to apply, please see the job description below. Applications are due by February 15, 2026.
The Museum
Located at the birthplace of the Correctional Service of Canada in Kingston Ontario, the museum is housed within the former residence of the warden of Kingston Penitentiary.
Friends of the Penitentiary Museum
The "Friends of the Penitentiary Museum" are a volunteer group dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the fascinating history of Canada's Federal penitentiary system. Some of us have a correctional background. Others have a passionate interest in Canada's history. It would seem we are not alone in thinking exposure to correctional history is key to understanding any society. Currently more than 50,000 people per year visit this award-winning museum housed in the former Warden's residence of Kingston Penitentiary.