MacLaren Art Centre

The MacLaren Art Centre is the regional public art gallery serving the residents of Barrie, the County of Simcoe and the surrounding area. The Gallery has a permanent collection of contemporary Canadian art held in trust for the public and presents a year-round programme of world-class exhibitions, education activities and special events.

The MacLaren is housed in an award-winning building in downtown Barrie. This architectural landmark combines a renovated Carnegie library with a contemporary addition designed by Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini Architects. The complex includes multiple galleries, an education centre, a sculpture courtyard, café, gift shop and framing department. As a cornerstone of culture for Barrie, the MacLaren is a visual arts centre that adds to the social, intellectual, creative and economic fabric of this community; it is a central meeting place, a destination for visitors from across the province, and a catalyst for downtown revitalization contributing to the success and vitality of this city.

The MacLaren is committed to building a vibrant, healthy and creative community. Exhibitions, workshops, special events and community activities nurture artistic talent, inspire creativity and stimulate intellectual curiosity. Our award-winning education department offers art appreciation and hands-on programmes for all ages, interests and abilities including lectures, panels, artist talks, publications and gallery tours; art classes and camps; after-school youth workshops; artist-led programmes in the schools; and Sunday art-making activities for families.

The MacLaren is a not-for-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of community leaders and maintained by ten full-time staff plus part-time/contract staff and artist instructors and over 200 active volunteers. The Gallery receives annual culture grants from the City of Barrie, the Ontario Art Council and the Canada Council for the Arts. The balance comes through earned revenues, corporate sponsorships, proceeds from fundraising events and the generous support of individuals, service clubs and local businesses.