The Muse

The Muse is the umbrella name for the Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre in Kenora showcasing the history, culture and talents of the Lake of the Woods community. The Muse also strives to live up to its commitment to embrace and strengthen ties with local Indigenous groups in an honest and respectful way.

Browse interesting historical artifacts at the Lake of the Woods Museum. Across the street, the Douglas Family Art Centre focuses on local painting, art, crafts, textiles and beading.

Visit The Muse website

Galleries and exhibits at The Muse in Kenora. — Kenora | The Muse

How to get to The Muse

Location: 224 and 300 Main Street South, Kenora

By car: The Muse facilities are located on the harbourfront between Main and Water streets in downtown Kenora, just off Highway 17.

By transit: Ontario Northland provides bus service to the Kenora bus depot. From there, take a local taxi or walk 25 minutes west to The Muse.

Know before you go

The Muse is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and in July and August, the two locations are open daily.

See accessibility features

Things to do at The Muse

Discover more activities and experiences.

Walk through history

Take a self-guided tour of visiting and permanent collections in the museum and the art centre exhibits at the Douglas Family Art Centre.

Book a guided tour

Guided group tours are available upon special request and can be booked along with a hands-on art activity.

Discover art and art history

Explore The Muse’s ongoing exhibitions, from art exhibits at the Douglas Family Art Centre to stories and artifacts at the museum.

Sign up for unique programs

Special events and programming include film screenings, speaker talks, curated workshops and family craft programs.

Shop local gifts

Browse two spacious gift shops for a selection of high-quality local goods such as souvenirs, books, soaps, art posters and original artwork.

Articles and itineraries

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

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An aerial view of the waterfront area in downtown Kenora. — Kenora | Destination Ontario

Interesting facts about The Muse

Lake of the Woods Museum was founded in 1964 in the Lands Title building. Its collection focused on Indigenous artifacts bequeathed to the museum from a British captain and Lake of the Woods resident named Frank Edwards. Edwards was fascinated with Indigenous stories and folklore.

By 1986, the collection had grown so much thanks to artifacts generously donated by the general public that the Lake of the Woods Museum was moved to its present-day location. Today the award-winning Kenora museum houses over 25,000 artifacts.

Accessibility Features

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an accessible entrance.

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced, unobstructed path, no steps or equipped with ramp connecting to a public entrance or exit and identified by signage. Automatic door openers, adequate manoeuvring room in front of door.

Accessible seating

Reserved space with a clear view of the event/activity for someone who is seated, good sound quality, and adequate manoeuvring room for a mobility device.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Easy access electrical outlets

At least one electrical outlet within easy reach has clear floor space in front for charging an electric mobility device.

Elevator access

Elevator access to all public floors with adequate manoeuvring room to enter and exit the elevator.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are available, free of charge, or for rent.

Last updated: August 30, 2024