Admission

By donation (suggested $2)
FREE admission for Gallery members.

Membership

You can help support the Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre by becoming a member. For more information, please contact Laurie at info@railsendgallery.

 






  

Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre
Part of Haliburton's rich cultural heritage

Located in Haliburton's heritage railway station since 1980, Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre is a contemporary expression of the rich cultural heritage of the region. Historically the Haliburton Highlands was a destination for painters drawn to the scenery and inspired by nature. Haliburton's own Ethel Curry, Doris McCarthy and members of the Group of Seven may have debarked at Haliburton Station not so very long ago.

Since the railway's inception trains to Haliburton were primarily freight with a passenger car added. In its best year for traffic, which was 1880, the Victoria Railway carried 74,600 tons of freight and 68,390 passengers for a revenue of $83,580. Passenger service to Haliburton continued until 1972, with freight services going on demand until 1978. Excursion trains, to see autumn leaves, ran until 1970. Station agents were taken off in 1964. Train service ended all together when a long bridge at McLaren's Creek burned to the waterline in July 1980. It was considered too expensive to replace. Tracks were torn up in 1983 and 1984.

In 1979 the Haliburton Highlands Guild of Fine Arts undertook the restoration of the station to preserve railway history in this region. At that time, the building became the new home of the Rails End Gallery. Fifteen years later, with one side of the building deteriorating significantly due to rot caused by run off from York Street, the building underwent extensive renovations. The station was moved onto a permanent foundation with upgraded plumbing, electrical and heating systems, and new barrier free features were added.

Today Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre is a welcoming cultural hub in Haliburton County known for its engaging public programs and contemporary art installations. The Gallery's motto is: "Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre: bringing art to life in Haliburton."

 
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Fall/oil on panel/Laurie Jones 08 close-up: Petrata/Habitat Room/Dwellings and Incursions by Barry Prophet at Rails End Gallery and Art Centre, Sept07 Fall/oil on panel/Laurie Jones 08 close-up: Petrata/Habitat Room/Dwellings and Incursions by Barry Prophet at Rails End Gallery and Art Centre, Sept07 close-up: Petrata/Habitat Room/Dwellings and Incursions by Barry Prophet at Rails End Gallery and Art Centre, Sept07 close-up: Petrata/Habitat Room/Dwellings and Incursions by Barry Prophet at Rails End Gallery and Art Centre, Sept07 The Highland Gallery Knit Witz, After Four Knitting Circle The Highland Gallery Knit Witz, After Four Knitting Circle close-up: Petrata/Habitat Room/Dwellings and Incursions by Barry Prophet at Rails End Gallery and Art Centre, Sept07