The Agnes Etherington Art Centre in Kingston is nearing the end of a major renovation project that will establish it as the largest public university-affiliated museum in Canada. Known as Agnes Reimagined, the project is set for completion in 2026 after construction began in May 2024.
The transformation involves a significant expansion of the facility to 82,000 square feet, more than doubling the available gallery space and increasing exhibition and programming spaces by 200 percent. The new design features a three-story curvilinear pavilion, purpose-built Indigenous Self-Determination Spaces, and a new welcome centre designed as a community living room with a capacity for 250 guests. The historic Etherington House on the property is also being repurposed to serve as a live-in space for artists.
This project was made possible by a US$75 million gift from Bader Philanthropies, Inc., along with $2 million CAD in support from the Government of Canada through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. Emelie Chhangur, the Director and Curator of the centre, is leading the project with a focus on community engagement and hospitality. As part of the planning process, the centre held sharing circles with local and Indigenous communities to help guide the design.
While construction continues at 36 University Avenue, the art centre remains closed to the public. After wrapping up its offsite exhibition space at the Rideau Building in early 2026, the gallery is now fully closed in anticipation of the grand reopening later this year. Once finished, the expanded facility will house a collection of over 17,000 objects and provide a new arts and events hub for the community.
