PLAN YOUR VISIT

Welcome to Homer Watson House & Gallery (HWHG)

HWHG is a National Historic Site and former home and art studio of Canadian artist Homer Watson.

Admission:

Admission is by donation with a suggested donation of $5 per person. Your support helps us continue to offer engaging programs, events and exhibitions.

Gallery Hours:

Monday | CLOSED
Tuesday | 10 am – 4 pm
Wednesday | 10 am – 4 pm
Thursday | 10 am – 4 pm
Friday | 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday |10 am – 4 pm
Sunday | 12 pm – 4 pm

We are closed on Mondays and all statutory holidays.

Access:

There is an accessibility ramp around the right side of the main building. Please let us know you are there as the back door is locked.

Parking:

There is limited free parking available in the small parking lot beside the Gallery. Nearby street parking is free.

Transit:

The Gallery is located on the #10 bus route leading to and from the central transit hubs, Fairway Station, and Conestoga College (Doon Campus) Please check the GRT website for details.

By Bike:

Limited bike parking is available. The bike rack is located on the right side of the main building.

Get in touch with us:

Call us: 519-748-4377
Address: 1754 Old Mill Rd. Kitchener, N2P 1H7
General inquiries: marketing@homerwatson.on.ca
Art Program inquiries: programs@homerwatson.on.ca

What kind of payments do you accept?  

Purchases and transactions can be made at our front desk. We accept cash, debit, credit, Visa, MasterCard.  

Donations are accepted through cash, debit, credit, visa and by cheque via mail, and through our online donation form on CanadaHelps.  

Can I take photos?  

Yes, photos taken with handheld devices for non-commercial use are permitted, except where indicated. Please, flash photography, no selfie sticks or camera tripods. Tag us on social media, @homerwatsonhouse!  

Can I sketch in the Gallery?  

Yes! HWHG provides sketch books and pencils in the Gallery spaces for those feeling inspired. Share your work with us on social media, @homerwatsonhouse and #homerwatsonhouse. For details, please refer to our Sketching in the Gallery policy. 

Is there a gift shop?  

Yes, we have a small gift shop.  

Can I bring food or drinks inside the gallery spaces?  

Food and drink are not permitted in the Galleries. We have picnic benches throughout the grounds that you’re welcome to use! 

Food and drink are permitted in the studio spaces. Please be mindful to keep it nut-free and respectful of other people’s allergies and the instructor’s guidelines.  

Please dispose of your waste accordingly. 

Does HWHG do art appraisals?  

No, HWHG does not conduct appraisals/monetary evaluations. HWHG cannot offer any specific recommendation for appraisers due to conflict of interest concerns. However, browsing the Canadian Chapter of the International Society of Appraisers is a good place to start if you are looking for appraisal services.  

 Can HWHG purchase artwork?  

No, HWHG does not have an allocated budget for purchasing items for the collection. We do accept items that are donations based on our collections policy. (link)  

Can I lend artwork to HWHG? 

HWHG currently only accepts loans for the purpose of specific events or exhibitions. We no longer accept permanent or long-term loans.  

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The Loch Doon area was memorialized in celebrated Scottish poet, Robert Burns piece “Ye banks and braes O’ bonnie Doon”

Ye banks and braes o’ bonny Doon,
How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair?
How can ye chant, ye little birds,
And I sae weary fu’ o’ care?
Thou’lt break my heart, thou warbling bird,
That wantons thro’ the flowering thorn:
Thou minds me o’ departed joys,
Departed, never to return.

Aft hae I rov’d by bonnie Doon,
To see the rose and woodbine twine;
And ilka bird sang o’ its love,
And fondly sae did I o’ mine.
Wi’ lightsome heart I pu’d a rose,
Fu’ sweet upon its thorny tree;
And my fause lover stole my rose,
But, ah! he left the thorn wi’ me.

Bring a Friend Promo:
Use Promo code:
BAF2025 at checkout

10% off

Art Programs when you sign up for 2 people at the same time!

Looking for a fun and creative way to spend time with your friends? Sign up for one of our art programs together during our Bring a Friend promotion and receive an extra 10% off your HWHG (minimum 2 people) program registration!

  • Offer valid on HWHG program registrations from Jan 1 through Dec 31, 2025.
  • Includes Children’s Art Programs, Adult Art Programs, Family Programs, Day School and Art Camps.
  • Excludes birthday party bookings, field trip bookings, open studio program, and memberships.
  • No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent.
Both registrations must be done through one account and on one transaction for the discount to be applied.