Mississauga’s Museums Are Officially Free

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Published May 8, 2017 at 3:23 am

benares

As many of you probably know–or should know, at least–Canada’s 150th anniversary is fast approaching and all levels of government (and independent organizations and individuals) are working to make natural, cultural and artistic landmarks more accessible to residents.

Late last year, we found out that Canada’s national parks and historic sites would be free to access throughout 2017 and, much more recently, we learned that specially discounted Canada 150 VIA Rail passes were totally sold out.

While plenty of people were disappointed in how VIA Rail’s deal was somehow over before it felt like it began, many will (or should) be happy or learn that there are no limits on how many people can access a slew of exciting Mississauga museums for free.  

Recently, the city of Mississauga announced that it’s celebrating Canada 150 and the Bradley Museum’s 50th anniversary by offering free admission to all Museums of Mississauga sites from now until Aug. 22.

So, which sites are free?

For the next few months, you can visit the Bradley Museum Complex, the Benares Historic House and The Leslie Log House completely free of charge (although donations will be accepted, should you wish to give a little to support arts and culture in the city).

For those who are unaware, the Bradley Museum consists of the Anchorage (an Ontario Regency-style cottage from the early nineteenth century), the Bradley House (a two-storey saltbox-style farmhouse from 1830), a restored Port Credit log cabin from the 1800s and a barn from the turn of the last century.

The two-acre site is located on the edge of Lake Ontario in a 70-year old maple grove. The site boasts accessible nature trails, a connection to the Waterfront Bike Trail and is within walking distance of the Rattray Marsh.

The Benares Historic House–which has been home to a few fantastic (if not a little folksy and niche, in a good way) outdoor musical performances–is a Georgian-style estate home that was occupied by four generations of the Harris and Sayers families.

According to the city, Benares is filled with original family possessions spanning those four generations. In fact, more than 95 per cent of the artifacts in the house are original to the Harris family and this home.  

The Visitor Centre at Benares is home to an interpretive gallery about Benares Historic House and its original residents. It also includes an Exhibition Gallery with rotating exhibitions and displays.

The Leslie Log House–a picturesque little haunt with bona fide pioneer appeal–is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and was originally the home of John Leslie Sr. and his wife Esther Beattie Leslie. They came to Upper Canada in 1824 from Sutherlandshire, Scotland.

The house was relocated to its current 4415 Mississauga Road home in 1994.

So, if you want to enjoy a little local history and culture, you can do so for free from now until the end of August.

You can learn more about the sites here.

Happy museum hopping, everyone!

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