Confederation Centre of the Arts

Confederation Centre of the Arts is Canada’s National Memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and one of the most important cultural landmarks in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 6, 1964, the Centre is located on Queen’s Square, in the heart of Charlottetown’s business district. It is uniquely funded by all ten provincial governments of Canada, reflecting its national significance.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts is a premier cultural and performing arts complex dedicated to celebrating Canadian visual and performing arts. While designed as one contiguous structure, the building appears at street level as three distinct sections housing a theatre, an art gallery, and a public library, blending culture, education, and community space within a single landmark.

The Confederation Centre Art Gallery features a diverse range of traveling exhibitions alongside a respected permanent collection highlighting Canadian artists. The public library, administered through the provincial library system, serves as Charlottetown’s main public library, offering resources for residents and visitors alike.

The Centre is home to several world-class performance venues, including the 1,102-seat Homburg Theatre, the MacKenzie Theatre, and two studio theatres. Additional facilities include a museum, library spaces, and an on-site restaurant, making it a comprehensive destination for arts and culture in PEI.

One of the Centre’s signature events is the Charlottetown Festival, held annually since 1965. The festival is especially renowned for its focus on Canadian musical theatre, attracting performers and audiences from across the country. Today, the Confederation Centre of the Arts continues to stand as a national symbol of Canada’s cultural heritage and artistic excellence.