canada's penitentiary museum

Whether you're nostalgic for the good old days, or believe convicts are simply abused poor souls reacting to hard experiences, this is a place for you. Do you ever wonder why incarceration doesn't seem as effective as it used to be? Do you wonder why recidivism is so high (if you don't know what it means, look it up)? Actually, this insight into the past helps understand how things are today.Convicts were given many opportunities to improve and grow even then. The cells were small, but secure, that is until you see how one convict snuck out inside (yes, inside) a stack of dinner stacking trays.I found the ingenuity of the convicts very interesting. The torture didn't appeal to me, but the convict art was well worth buying if it had been for sale. As stated some of the others, take the time to talk to the curators. They are some of the best part of this museum.

it is great for anyone curious on the prison system to see the history! They have real cells and even weapons and things the inmates made that has been donated. A must see for true crime buffs!

Lots of interesting stuff in this small museum. Definitely worth a look. Admission is by donation, so pay as much or as little as you feel.

Well worth a visit! I have a morbid fascination with all things prison and was not disappointed! Helpful, friendly and well informed staff made it an interesting visit. Would recommend if in the area!

little museum,just 2 floors.The most interesting things , in my opinion , are the gears the men succeeded in making in the jail.Lots of stuf ready to kill the policeman or usefull to escape.To be seen.Easy to find and parking place in fron of the museum.

A very informative display pertaining to history of Kingston Penitentiary. Former guards were very keen to answer questions.

We went during the week and found that this museum was very interesting. Past prison guards where there a guides and had some very real stories to tell. Children would not be interested. It was part of our sites to see and we were not disappointed.

Nice little museum. We expected it to be bigger, with hopes that we could secure a tour of the building behind which we thought was residence.Because it was so small, I wouldn't recommend going on Saturdays, especially on a rainy day! It was so packed!!There was a little bit to see, I wished for more stories, more historical artifacts. The museum is actually the old warden ' house. There was a little bit of everything. Great place to pop in during the week.

We really enjoyed our little visit to his museum. We found the displays to be interesting. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful and the cost is by donation only. Interesting to see how times and things have changed over the years.

We visited during the week and there was amble parking in the grounds. 8 rooms are open in the museum, 4 downstairs and 4 upstairs and they hold a very informative insight into prison life and how tough it was then. I like the range of weapons that the prisoners made to defend themselves. They were very ingenious. The museum has a lot of artefacts from the prison from uniforms to punishment techniques. There is no cost to enter but you can make a donation to help maintain the museum. There are bathrooms available also. It is not wheelchair friendly. It would be wonderful if they ever decide to open the prison (which is directly across the road) to tours. Overall it was a pleasant outing and I would recommend it.

Stopped here during a pass through. The location is directly in front of the infamous Kingston Pen. The museum holds various pieces of artifacts and info about the prison, prisoners and guards. There are eight (8) rooms. Four on the main floor and four on the upper level. The interior is very clean and the reception is very friendly. There is no cost for entering however donations are appreciated. There is also a small gift shop on theorem and sizeable washrooms. Parking was easy as visitors were very light during our visit. Parking could be a matter of concern should it be busy as the lot on prem is very small. This was a nice pass through and provided for some basic but insightful knowledge on the Penitentiary. The prison itself is not open to visitors and has been closed since September 2013. To our understanding there could be occasions where it will be open to the public (fingers crossed). This would be a better experience for sure.

Went on the trolley tour and got off at this stop. We were not disappointed, very interesting and informative.The original gents and ladies prison are now closed. But, the museum gives a good insight as to what it would have been like.Definatley Worth a visit

Museum is located directly across from the recently closed Kingston Pen. There are two floors to the museum (not sure if it's accessible for those with physical challenges...call ahead).Each room is complete with information about the prison systems of Kingston Pen as well as other prison systems. Each room has a former prison guard available for explanations and questions. There are artifacts a plenty and they paint a picture of the lives of prisoners, there vices and even their artistic talents. The museum causes the viewer to reflect on a the harsh and even softness of human spirit. Appropriate for teenagers but judge accordingly for younger viewers. Admission is by donation only.

Os funcionários são demais de atenciosos e explicam tudo... o museu é gratuito e mostra a realidade de como funciona o sistema penitenciário do país.