12/19/2025
It’s been a long time coming, and I’m so excited to finally welcome the community back to the newly expanded Hamilton Children’s Museum right here in Ward 3.
After more than four decades as a cherished part of our city, and following its closure in 2020, the museum is reopening on January 10, 2026, inviting families and young explorers back into a world of discovery, learning, and play. The renovation honours the building’s heritage while creating significantly more space for creativity, exploration, and connection.
The renewed museum has expanded from approximately 2,500 square feet to 6,300 square feet and now includes outdoor terraces and a secure, family-friendly play yard. With its bright glass design, the building feels beautifully connected to Gage Park and the surrounding green space. Accessibility improvements include a fully accessible entrance, an elevator, and upgraded washrooms. New exhibit areas offer hands-on experiences and thoughtfully designed spaces that support learning through play, along with new classroom space and expanded programming.
The reopening celebration takes place on Saturday, January 10, 2026. From 9am - 10am, the community is invited to a celebration and tour featuring greetings from speakers, a look at the museum’s time capsule from the year 2000, and open visitation for children and their adults. The museum will then be open from 10:00am - 3:45pm with free admission. Visits will take place in 45-minute time slots starting at 10am through 3pm, and tickets must be pre-booked at hamiltoncivicmuseums.ca/ChildrensOpening.
Beginning January 11, the museum will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm with free access for residents holding a Hamilton Public Library card. This renewal was made possible through federal, provincial, municipal, and ward-level investments, including $300,000 from my office for exhibits.
I can’t wait to see this beloved Ward 3 treasure come to life again and to share in the joy of discovery with families from across Hamilton.
📸: Hamilton Civic Museums
