There are many interesting and unusual museums. One of the most interesting types is museum-castle. It’s easy to dive into past centuries when you are visiting such places. One of them is a Dundurn Castle, located in Hamilton, Ontario – a designated historic site.
The history of Dundurn Castle museum
Dundurn has been open to the public since 1952 and features many of its original furnishings. These include paintings from Sir Edwin Landseer and Thomas Lawrence; furniture from Chippendale, Sheraton, Hepplewhite; as well as family heirlooms including silverware and portraits of family members.
When financial difficulties forced Richard Beasley to sell his Dundurn Park property, he moved into a brick home on the land and rented it out. When MacNab purchased the house from him in 1835, new owner John Hamilton decided to move onto this prime piece of real estate situated just outside the city limits with his family – renaming it Dundurn Castle after already owning another plot of farmland south-east of Burlington Heights called “Dundas”. He commissioned architect Robert Charles Wetherell who had previously designed other buildings for both Lewis Ginter (Ginter House) and Edward Trenholm’s Chedoke Estate; so when construction finally finished at Dundurn Castle in 1869 under commission by son James Turner MacNab Jr.
William Reid was the resident master gardener at MacNab, until he passed away in 1885. He and his friend John George Howard had a long history of developing this garden together before they eventually parted ways due to unspecified disagreements that were never resolved. This is where their friendship turned into something more like an addiction as both men continued building on each other’s work for decades after their separation over what should have been small differences between them-the classical portico being one such example, which has now become iconic among Hamilton residents who still travel there today from around Ontario to see it up close.
The estate’s formal gardens, informal park-like areas, and natural undisturbed slopes are the perfect setting for picturesque effects. The variety of sights within these features evokes suspense, surprise, and contrast that keep your eyes entertained while exploring them.
Dundurn Castle is a national historic site and has been the home of many people over time. The former owner MacNab had died, but his estate was used as an institution for deaf-mutes before being sold to Donald McInnes in 1872. In 1928 Dundurn’s Aviary opened to the public and it still stands today as part of this special place that houses so much history on its grounds.
The German artillery piece, booty from the First World War has been removed. Although it was not used much for its original purpose, it housed an aviary in the mid-1980s that moved to the Westdale neighborhood. The old pavilion offered shelter against cold but is now replaced by a walled garden which added more beauty and diversity to raccoon creek park.
Why to visit Dundurn Castle
Visitors can explore rooms such as the grand drawing room with its marble fireplace or relax on one of the many benches that line the castle grounds.
The journey time between Toronto and Dundurn Castle is around 52 minutes, covering a distance of 43 miles. The fastest journey normally takes 44 minutes using GO Transit to get there from Union Station Bus Terminal in the city center. 138 service runs weekly on average, although weekend schedules can vary depending because it routes with other lines at that point so check ahead for details.
You can meet with your group in the Coach House at Dundurn for a meeting or reception. This unique building houses up to 88 people and can be customized with catering options, drinks, and extra features like live music! You won’t want to miss out on exploring The Castle Shop too – it is home to Canadian handmade crafts, souvenirs, and special gifts from all across Canada.
The Dundurn Castle also offers seasonal activities for visitors like ghost hunts during the Halloween season!
Dundurn Castle is an elegant neoclassical mansion that has been a part of Hamilton’s history since 1835. The house, which was built with the latest technology and conveniences in mind, features forty rooms spread over 1,700 square metres (18,000 sq ft). It housed many illustrious guests before it became property of the city as early as 1899 or 1900. Today you can visit this historic site to discover its secrets for yourself!