Historic Bellevue House reopens after six years of restoration

The former residence of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, is set to reopen its doors following extensive restoration on Saturday, May 18.

The historic Bellevue House located in Kingston is reopening its doors to the public after six years of closure.

The former residence of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, is set to reopen its doors following extensive restoration on Saturday, May 18.

The work done leading up to the reopening included structural repairs and also strategic changes to their exhibits and programming after a transformative review of site management plans released in 2023.

In a release regarding the opening, Parks Canada states, “…the new experience represents a new way of sharing history at Parks Canada’s heritage places—one which includes diverse voices, presents multiple perspectives and inspires conversations about Canada’s past, present and future.”

Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, will announce the opening on Saturday. Visitors will be able to come enjoy the site for free on opening day.