Oakville Museum
The historic buildings of Erchless Estate were once home to Oakville’s founding family but are now the setting for Oakville's community museum. Colonel William Chisholm, an enterprising merchant and shipbuilder, founded the town and built Erchless overlooking his new harbour and Lake Ontario.
Today, visitors can still enjoy that magnificent view and explore the beautiful buildings, grounds and gardens of Erchless. The Oakville Museum offers guided tours of the Chisholm family home, changing exhibitions, special events and programs that tell the fascinating stories of our town.
You can also visit our new satellite exhibition gallery at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre.
For more information please visit the appropriate page below.
- Exhibits and Collections – Current and upcoming exhibitions
- Programs and Events – Museum programs, workshops and family-friendly special events
- School and Community Programs – School programs, community group bookings and private tours
- History – History of Erchless Estate and a biography of Oakville's founding family
- Support – Volunteer opportunities, sponsorship and donations
Contact information
8 Navy Street
Oakville, ON L6J 2Y5
905-338-4400
oakvillemuseum@oakville.ca
Hours of operation
Summer Hours (until September 2)
The Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate is open to the public Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The business office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Oakville Museum @ Queen Elizabeth Park is available for viewing whenever the building is open to the public. Visit the QEPCCC facility page for current hours of operation.
Admission fee
General admission during public hours at both locations is free! Donations are gratefully accepted.
Admission rates vary for workshops, special events and pre-booked tours. Visit the School and Community Programs page for more details or call 905-338-4400 to confirm group rates and availability.
Summer Employment Opportunities
Job Posting – Heritage Summer Camp Leader – 2 positions (pdf, 39 kB)
Applications will be accepted by email to scrane@oakville.ca no later than midnight on Friday, May 24, 2013. We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Wedding and commercial photography
A permit is required for wedding and commercial photography on the Erchless Estate grounds. Photography is not permitted inside the museum. For information visit the Photography in Parks page. Please review our wedding guidelines (pdf, 23 kB) to ensure an enjoyable experience for your party and other visitors to the museum.
Venue rentals
The museum cannot be rented for wedding ceremonies or other private functions. Please visit the Facility Bookings page for available rental facilities at the Town of Oakville.