Oshawa

Established in 1961 and housed in a 1920s car dealership, the museum showcases the development of the automobile with approximately 65 vehicles dating from 1898 to 1981, as well as other items relating to these historical cars. The building has its original freight elevator.

Built as a Presbyterian church in 1899, the building was known as St. Andrew’s United until 1999. Now the Oshawa Community Church, this low-slung Romanesque revival gem is an asymmetrical delight. The interior space is impressive. The children’s room was designed by Bruce Barry of Wacky World Studios, the designer of the Rainforest Café.

This museum comprises Guy House, Henry House and Robinson House, all designated historic buildings. Located in beautiful Lakeview Park, they stand on their original foundations and represent different architectural styles. The museum and archives provide visitors with a good understanding of the lives of Oshawa's early inhabitants. Both Henry House and Guy House will be open to visitors.

Constructed in the art deco style and shrouded in symbolism, this building is now home to four lodges and two concordant bodies. This Doors Open event is a unique chance to view the lodge room and library.

An excellent example of adaptive reuse, this delightful Second Empire house was built as a residence around 1900 and now serves as an artist’s studio and gallery. Many of the home’s original features have been restored, and the property includes a secret garden.

Built in the year of Confederation for a Methodist congregation, this church is a fine example of the Gothic revival style. Lancet-arched openings and a polygonal spire with pinnacles and dormers embellish the exterior. A Casavant organ, ornamental timber arches 36 feet (11 metres) high and a pressed-tin ceiling dominate the interior.

Oshawa's oldest remaining schoolhouse, Union School No. 5, operated here until 1954. Second Empire in style, it is richly decorated with dichromatic brick, large wooden brackets and double chimneys with an oculus design. H.R. Barber was an Oshawa architect who designed and built many buildings in and around Oshawa from 1865 to 1884.

Many famous people from Oshawa's and Canada's past are interred in what was then known as Thornton's Burying Ground. Today, the site covers 29 acres and includes private mausoleums and a Gothic revival chapel. The mausoleum was built in 1924 and features an ornate marble interior and hand-painted stained-glass windows.