| Community Organizations |
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Orillia supports and values a dynamic array of arts, heritage, and cultural organizations.
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| Cultural Links |
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| Galleries & Studios |
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Artists and artisans work, display, and do business throughout the city in a number of lovely galleries, boutiques, outdoor market places, and public spaces.
| Apple Annie's Café |
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Delicious scratch-made food and baking, excellent coffee and a welcoming atmosphere make Apple Annie’s Cafe a destination. Very much a “community hub”, the cafe features the work of local visual artists and live entertainment.
appleannies.ca
101 Mississaga St. E.
705-326-7778
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| Cloud Gallery |
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Cloud Gallery combines online and gallery space to showcase original art inspired by Ontario's natural beauty.
cloudgallery.ca
23 Mississaga St. W.
705-418-0176
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| Creative Nomad Studios |
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Creative Nomad Studios acts as a rentable co-workspace featuring art showings in various mediums, creative classes, events and more.
creativenomadstudios.ca
23 Mississaga St. W.
705-418-0176
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| Dave Beckett Art Gallery |
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Reflections in oil and pastel featuring landscapes encompassing rural fields, the deep forests of the rocks, trees and crystal waters of the Great Lakes.
davebeckettartcanada.com
1973 Marchmont Rd, Severn
705-325-6809
info@davebeckettart.com
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| Lee Contemporary Art |
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Curated rental gallery that exhibits emerging and mid-career artists, featuring original artwork in painting, drawing, mixed media, photography and sculpture.
leecontemporaryart.com
5 Peter St. S. Upper Level
705-331-3145
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| Mad With Rapture Studio |
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Art studio & gallery space of Canadian Artist Patti Campbell, abstract artist who works across the mediums of paint, collage and fibre art.
https://www.facebook.com/MadwithRaptureStudio/
5 Peter St. S., #204
705-331-2836
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| Orillia Museum of Art & History |
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The Orillia Museum of Art & History is an incorporated registered charity that features creative drop-in programs, educational programming, tours, historical exhibits, and fine art showings. Located in the heart of downtown Orillia, the clocktower of the Sir Samuel Memorial Building is a beacon for the historical location.
orilliamuseum.org
30 Peter St S, Orillia
705-326-2159
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| Orillia Opera House |
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Since its opening in 1895, the Orillia Opera House has been a focal point for the cultural life of the City of Orillia. The historical site is the only professional quality performing arts venue in the town, also featuring year-round showings from Orillia Fine Arts Association in the green room.
orilliaoperahouse.ca
20 Mississaga St. W.
705-326-8011
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| Peter St. Fine Arts Gallery & Studio |
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Street Fine Arts Gallery is an artist collective gallery & studio space. Member artists include Brian Tosh, Patti Agapi, Christina Tari, Xavier Fernandes & Beverly Post-Schmeler and Jimi McKee.
https://peterstfinearts.wixsite.com/gallery
23 Peter St. S.
705-321-1403
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| Three Crows Speak Studio |
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Gallery and shop featuring fine art, fibre art, sculptures, artisan soaps, crystals, jewelry, gifts, tarot and medium sessions.
https://www.facebook.com/threecleancrows/
9 Peter St. S.
705-427-4033
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| Tiffin's Creative Centre |
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Offering print services, gifts, and décor, Tiffins also brings artists and art lovers together. Check out showings by local artists in the ‘Cut Above Gallery’.
https://www.tiffins.on.ca/
22 Peter St. S.
705-325-720
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| Museums |
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Orillia has a rich heritage and history that is celebrated and showcased in the city's three museums.
| Orillia Museum of Art & History |
| The Orillia Museum of Art & History is an incorporated registered charity that features creative drop-in programs, educational programming, tours, historical exhibits, and fine art showings. Located in the heart of downtown Orillia, the clocktower of the Sir Samuel Memorial Building is a beacon for the historical location.
orilliamuseum.org
30 Peter St S, Orillia
705-326-2159
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| Leacock Museum National Historic Site |
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For over fifty years the Leacock Museum has been welcoming visitors to the Old Brewery Bay on the shores of Lake Couchiching. Included in the nearly 10- acre site is the Leacock House, the Boathouse, the museum archives and administration building, and both the Lightfoot and Millennium Trail.
leacockmuseum.com
50 Museum Dr.
705-329-1908
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| The Ontario Provincial Police Museum |
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Specializing in the material culture of the Ontario Provincial Police from 1909, the museum takes responsibility in preserving, documenting and interpreting artifacts and archival materials that help to build an understanding of the history of policing in Ontario since the formation of Upper Canada in 1791.
opp.ca/museum
777 Memorial Ave. Orillia
705-329-6889
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| Music, Theatre and Dance |
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Orillia's love for culture spans generations. Many community bands, choirs, theatre, and dance troupes have existed for decades.
| Music |
| Cellar Singers |
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Exceptional choral music for audience members who come from communities throughout the Districts of Simcoe and Muskoka. Inspired by outstanding artistic leadership, our singers share their passion with enthusiastic patrons and exemplify the tradition and mastery of classical choral music.
thecellarsingers.com
58 Peter St. N. Orillia
705-293-0587
info@thecellarsingers.com
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| The Hawkstone Singers |
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An adult choir based out of the village of Hawkestone just south of Orillia.
https://www.facebook.com/Hawkestone-Singers-Community-Choir-1404716536412275/
22 11 Line N, Hawkestone
(705) 984-2833
hawkestonesingers@gmail.com
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| Orillia Silver Band |
| The Orillia Silver Band is a British-style brass band established in 1949 by the late Harry Peacock. The 30-member band participates regularly in festivals, parades and concerts in Orillia, elsewhere in Simcoe County, Parry Sound and Muskoka.
orilliasilverband.com
3-200 Memorial Ave, Suite 352, Orillia
705-330-6479
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| Orillia Youth Symphony Orchestra |
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This Orchestra has been around for more than 25 years to give children and teenagers in the area an opportunity to play in an orchestra. The Orchestra hopes to teach its members about orchestral music, teamwork, respect, and taking pride in themselves and their fellow members, as well as the discipline required during performances. Generally, members are between the ages of 8 and 18
https://www.oyso.ca/
705-326-7548
orilliayouthsymphonyorchestra@gmail.com
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| Orillia's Community Children's Choir |
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A fun children’s and teenager’s community choir for students in Grades 2-12. Choir members sing from various styles of music (pop, show tunes, classical, Canadiana, jazz). The choir was established to teach its members about choral singing, confidence and teamwork.
https://www.facebook.com/orilliaccchoir/
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| Orillia Concert Band |
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The OCB is a 45 piece amateur community concert band led by music director Randy Hoover. Rehearsals are Monday evenings, 7:00 to 9:00 at St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia from September until June. The OCB performs 3 formal concerts a year and a few additional informal concerts. Having fun and expressing a genuine love of music is the driving force of the OCB.
https://orilliaconcertband.com/
PO Box 2416, Orillia
L3V 7A3
info@orilliaconcertband.com
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| Orillia Vocal Ensemble |
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The OVE is a sixty member recreational choir led by Roy Menagh. It rehearses Tuesday nights from September to June and puts on free concerts for charities throughout the year.
https://orilliavocalensemble.com/
info@orilliavocalensemble.com
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| Theatre |
| Express Yourself Performing Arts |
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An opportunity for children ages 4 to 18 to act, sing, dance and perform. Classes are held weekly: Junior Stars (ages 4 to 8), Saturdays 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Rising Stars (ages 9 to 18), Saturdays 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Preparations begin in the Fall for our Spring 2020 show, "James and the Giant Peach".
https://www.expressu.ca/
Mailing Address:38 Creighton Street S., Orillia
705-875-5438
expressu123@gmail.com
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| The Village Players of Coldwater |
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A non-profit community theatre company that encourages self-expression through dance, music, and theatre.
https://www.facebook.com/VPofColdwater/
info@villageplayers.ca
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| Mariposa Arts Theatre Foundation |
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For over 40 years, MATF has presented outstanding theatre productions that have entertained, and have encouraged talent on-stage and behind the scenes. The MATF has its own rehearsal/workshop space at 12 Brammer Drive which can also be used by schools and community productions. MATF also programs an outstanding series of international cinema at the Galaxy Cinema.
https://www.mariposaartstheatre.com/
12 Brammer Drive, Orillia
MariposaArtsTheatre@gmail.com
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| Dance |
| Mariposa Dance Company |
| Formerly CMC Dance Works, Mariposa, located at 69 Peter St. S., was voted Orillia's favourite dance school and has 5,000-square-feet of space with two spacious studios and a third practice room for students.
https://www.mariposadance.ca/
27 West St. S. Main Floor. Orillia
(705) 323-9890
info@mariposadance.ca
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| Orillia Dance Academy |
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This dance studio, located at 9 Ontario St. (Unit 3), offers classes in classical ballet, musical theatre, modern theatre dance, tap, jazz and acro. Simcoe Contemporary Dancers also operates out of this academy.
https://orilliadanceacademy.weebly.com/
9 Ontario St. Units 2&3, Orillia
705-326-7476
orilliadance@outlook.com
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| TAPPS Performing Arts |
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TAPPS, located at 12 Ontario St., is the place for all children, youth and young adults to learn dance. Several disciplines of dance and acrobatics are offered.
https://tappsdance.ca/
12 Ontario ST #5, Orillia
(705) 326-8761
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Historical Properties
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The Municipal Heritage Committee is tasked with identifying, protecting and promoting cultural heritage resources in the community. Visit their page for more information on the identification and upkeep of historical and heritage sites in Orillia.
Designated Heritage Properties
Heritage Properties of Interest
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Facilities
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Visit the Facility Map page for a comprehensive view of facilities around Orillia.
| Aqua Theatre |
| The historic Rotary Aqua Theatre was built in 1958 and has been home to many concerts in Couchiching Beach Park. During the summer months, Sunday Evening Band Concerts take place each week, showcasing bands from across the province much to the delight of local crowds. The Rotary Aqua Theatre is also available for rental.
For detailed booking information including rates, please visit the Booking a Facility or Park page.
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| Bandstand |
| In the 1800s, it was common to gather at Civic Park (now Couchiching Beach Park) and listen to the Orillia Citizens Band, now known as the Kiltie Band. Hundreds of people would show up to watch the performance. In 1909, Town Council approved the construction of a bandstand suitable for musical performances and presentations. This historical structure can be rented for weddings and wedding pictures as well as other events.
For detailed booking information including rates, please visit the Booking a Facility or Park page.
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| Pavilions |
| The Community Services Department offers two pavilions at Couchiching Beach Park for rental. These pavilions can accommodate large events with picnic table seating for up to 100. Pavilion rentals include hydro and water availability. There are also pavilion shelters at Homewood Park and Orma Drive Park that are available for park users on a first-come-first-served basis. View a map showing the pavilions >>
For detailed booking information including rates, please visit the Booking a Facility or Park page.
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| Orillia Opera House |
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Since its opening in 1895, the Orillia Opera House has been a focal point for the cultural life of the City of Orillia. The only professional quality performing arts venue in the town, it sits in the heart of downtown Orillia on Mississaga Street and West Street with more than ample parking available for patrons. It's a theatre that brings big name artists to Orillia residents - every seat in the house is a good one as they're all within 75 feet of the stage. The main stage has seating for 677 and the studio theatre space accommodates 100.
The Orillia Opera House is a division of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department of the Corporation of the City of Orillia. Thanks to the support of the Canadian Heritage and a number of generous sponsors, the Orillia Opera House continues to offer top quality, live music and theatre that is alternately local, national and international in scope.
For more information visit the Orillia Opera House website.
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Leacock Museum National Historic Site
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| The Stephen Leacock House is historically significant for its association with renowned Canadian author and academic, Stephen Leacock (1869-1944). Though writing extensively on topics ranging from political science to economics, Leacock became famous worldwide as a humorist. His early masterpiece in this genre, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town (1912), was published four years after his purchase of this property, and is said to have been greatly inspired by his time spent here.
The present residence was built in 1928 and is reflective of Leacock's financial success as a prolific author and head of the Economics and Political Science Department at Montreal's McGill University. Characteristic of his frugality, the present house incorporated much material from Leacock's original, 1908 cottage which was located closer to the lakeshore. Stephen Leacock was designated a National Historic Person in 1968. The Stephen Leacock House was designated a National Historic Site in 1992.
For more information, visit the Leacock Museum website.
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