Confederation Center of the Arts

In the heart of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, where cobblestone charm meets cultural brilliance, lies a treasure that doesn’t just tell Canada’s story—it performs it. The Confederation Centre of the Arts is more than a building. It’s a living tribute to the spirit of unity, creativity, and heritage. Step inside and you’ll feel it: the hum of rehearsals behind thick velvet curtains, the quiet awe of someone standing before a Canadian masterpiece, the echo of history that still lingers in Memorial Hall.

 

From world-class performing arts to boundary-pushing Canadian visual arts, the centre has become a vibrant meeting point for artists and audiences alike. It’s the soul of Charlottetown’s creative scene—and a place every visitor should experience.

 

What to Know

Opened in 1964 next to historic Province House, where Canada's founding discussions took place a century earlier, the Confederation Centre of the Arts was founded to honour that legacy and foster artistic expression rooted in Canadian culture. Since then, it has blossomed into a dynamic hub for Canadian artists, showcasing everything from Broadway-style musicals to immersive visual art exhibitions.

 

Home to the celebrated Charlottetown Festival, the centre is best known for hosting Anne of Green Gables – The Musical, which ran for over five decades and holds a Guinness World Record for the longest running annual musical theatre production. But the magic doesn’t stop there. The centre also houses the impressive Confederation Centre Art Gallery, with more than 17,000 works spanning the vibrant landscape of Canadian visual arts.

Whether you’re drawn to live theatre, modern sculpture, or simply want to walk through a building steeped in meaning, the Confederation Centre of the Arts offers a uniquely Canadian experience.

 

How to Get There

Located in the heart of downtown Charlottetown, the Centre is just a short walk from local boutiques, cafés, and the iconic Province House. It's bordered by Grafton, Queen, and Richmond Streets.

 

By Car:

Street parking is available nearby. If you're staying longer, use one of three nearby garages—on Pownal, Queen, or Fitzroy Street.

 

By Transit:

Located at a major T3 Transit hub, the centre is easy to reach via local buses.

 

By Bike or Foot:

The area is walkable and bike-friendly, with routes connecting to the Confederation Trail.

 

By a Guided Tour:

Guided tours are hassle-free ways of exploring any attraction while combining your visit with other hotspots of the city. We recommend the Charlottetown Food Walking Tour featuring the Confederation Centre of the Arts, Province House, and more! 

 

Accessibility:

The Queen Street entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, and the Confederation Centre Art Gallery Includes ramps for easy access.

 

Best Time to Visit

If you want the full effect—the lights, the buzz, the standing ovations—plan your visit between June and September. That’s when the Charlottetown Festival takes over the centre with musicals, plays, and new works that capture the pulse of Canada’s performing arts scene.

Even outside the summer rush, the Confederation Centre Art Gallery remains a year-round gem. Quiet winter months often mean more space to explore the art at your own pace, with a warm latte from a nearby café in hand.

 

Highlights & Features

 

Homburg Theatre

A 1,109-seat mainstage theatre, the largest east of Montreal, renowned for its acoustics and intimate atmosphere.

 

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Over 35,000 square feet of exhibition space and 17,000+ works from celebrated and emerging Canadian artists.

 

Charlottetown Festival

A multi-month celebration of performing arts includes classics like Anne of Green Gables and bold new Canadian plays.

 

Memorial Hall

The symbolic heart of the centre, facing Province House, connecting past and present.

 

Family Programming

Workshops, art camps, and engaging exhibits make it a fun, educational space for kids too.

 

Visual Arts Exhibits

Rotating collections showcasing the evolving voice of Canadian visual arts, from sculpture to multimedia installations.

 

Studio Theatres

Two smaller venues for experimental, indie, and locally produced works.

 

Fun Facts

- The centre was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1964 as a national tribute to Canada's founding.

- It holds a Guinness World Record thanks to Anne of Green Gables – The Musical, which ran every summer for 54 years straight.

- The Confederation Centre Art Gallery houses one of the most extensive and important collections of Canadian visual art in Eastern Canada.

- The building cleverly appears as three separate structures from the street, but inside, it's a single flowing space centered around Memorial Hall.

- Its theatre underwent a $17 million upgrade in 2011—so every seat, sound, and spotlight is top-tier.

 

Final Thoughts

The Confederation Centre of the Arts celebrates Canada's heritage while fostering its artistic future. Whether you’re sitting front-row at a musical, strolling through a gallery of Canadian visual brilliance, or tracing the very footsteps of the nation’s founders outside Province House, every visit is layered with discovery.

 

It’s not just a stop on your trip—it’s an invitation to feel, reflect, and celebrate what it means to be part of Canada’s story. So, take a seat, take it all in, and let the centre’s blend of art, history, and heart sweep you off your feet.