In 1974, a dedicated group of artists and arts supporters pursued a vision: to find a home for Ottawa’s professional arts producers and presenters. In 1978, Mayor Marion Dewar’s Advisory Group on the Arts recommended the establishment of a municipal arts centre, an arts council, an arts festival, and a permanent art collection for the City.
Before Arts Court was an arts centre, it served as the Carleton County Court House. Built for this purpose between 1870 and 1871, the Court House was part of a legal precinct that included the former Carleton County Jail, the Carleton County Registry Office, and the former City Registry Office on Nicholas Street.
The building was designated for demolition by the Ontario Government in 1980. However, in 1985, the City of Ottawa took ownership of the building and designated the Ottawa Arts Court Foundation trustees as its custodians. It came back to life and became Ottawa’s central arts hub in 1988.
In-person visiting hours
*Follow building health protocols.
- Saturday, June 3 202310am to 4pm
Virtual and 3D Tours
This building does not offer virtual or 3D tours.
Exterior facade of Arts Court, photo credit: City of Ottawa 
Old courthouse wood panelling, photo credit: City of Ottawa 
Arts Court jail cells, photo credit: City of Ottawa
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Exterior facade of Arts Court, photo credit: City of Ottawa -
Old courthouse wood panelling, photo credit: City of Ottawa -
Arts Court jail cells, photo credit: City of Ottawa
Architecture
Amenities and features
- Public washrooms
- Accessible access
- Bike parking
- Metered/paid parking
- Family friendly
- OC transpo nearby