3 Best Places To See in Stratford, ON

"Stratford Perth Museum's collection dates back to the early 20th century, beginning with the Library Act of 1902, which allowed local libraries to preserve and display museum collections. The collection has gotten much bigger over the years. The Museum has been housed in various locations, including Fryfogel Tavern, Stratford's King Street factory, and the Stratford Normal School near the Festival Theatre. The Museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits. Additionally, it offers special exhibits to enhance the visitor experience. Visit Stratford Perth Museum to explore its rich history. Over 20,000 artifacts tell the stories of people and communities in Stratford and Perth County, from the early 1800s to today. It is one of the earliest ongoing collections founded in Ontario, beginning with the Perth County Historical Collection from 1902 to 1980. Stratford Perth Museum is wheelchair accessible and has a service elevator. There will be no admission charge for a support person accompanying a person with a disability. The Museum has designated accessibility parking spots. Stratford Perth Museum offers free admission for Children aged 5 and under.

"Gallery Stratford is a non-profit contemporary, public art gallery featuring changing exhibitions of Canadian art and an adjacent small sculpture park. The gallery features a permanent collection of works, primarily focusing on Canadian artists' works on paper. The gallery's exhibitions reflect current trends and changes in the art world. Gallery Stratford offers educational programs that raise awareness and appreciation of the arts among adults and children. Gallery Stratford also provides an open community studio equipped with creative materials. Visitors can participate in the Alive program, which includes photography, animation, painting, and sculpture. Gallery Stratford's admission is free for Children aged 9 and under and Gallery Stratford Members. Gallery Stratford is one of Ontario’s longest operating public art galleries and has been a significant contributor to the cultural heart of Southwestern Ontario since 1967. The gallery has 3 exhibition spaces, with 3-month rotations.

"Shakespearean Gardens offers quiet places for conversation, abundant shelter from the sun, and strategically placed benches and picnic tables, making it a great spot to enjoy nature. A prominent feature of the garden is the 65-foot (20-meter) chimney, the last remnant of the Dufton Woolen Mill, which originally occupied the site. Shakespearean Gardens was built in 1874, and the mill was burned down in 1919, leaving only the chimney as an imposing landmark. Visitors are often surprised to see the garden's large lantana, a tropical species typically grown annually. This lantana is kept in a greenhouse during the winter and replanted each year for the enjoyment of garden visitors and butterflies. Shakespearean Gardens is accessible to wheelchairs and allows dogs.