The award-winning MacLaren Art Centre acts as a regional public art gallery in Barrie, Ontario that combines modern and traditional charm to deliver a fantastic venue for wedding celebrations. The gallery itself contains a permanent collection of 27,408 artworks and also shows world-class exhibitions throughout the year. By choosing the MacLaren Art Centre as your venue you directly support the establishment’s programming and ensure that the arts community in Barrie continues to thrive. The centre is a cultural hub for business members, families, artists, and community groups and is a community staple in Barrie.

Facilities and Capacity

The architectural landmark building combines a renovated 1917 Carnegie Library with a contemporary addition designed by Siamak Hariri of Hariri Pontarini Architects. For ceremonies, receptions, bridal showers, engagement parties, and rehearsal dinners, the remarkable Carnegie Room offers a warm and elegant background. Wedding guests can revel in the natural light which bounces off the stunning windows and accentuates the high ceilings. In particular, the venue’s main floor is ideal for receptions and parties. This function room can accommodate 150 guests for a seated dining experience or 200 for a cocktail-style reception. Additionally, couples can choose to have their ceremony outdoors, framed by the building’s beautiful exterior and surrounded by trees. The idyllic courtyard offers both unique architectural features and stunning flora to provide a memorable backdrop for nuptial celebrations.

Services Offered

The MacLaren Art Centre provides a bar and set up and clean up of tables and chairs. The bar can be open, cash, or limited and includes house beer, wine, and spirits. Couples are welcome to use the venue’s chairs, tables, dance floor, and barware to enhance the experience. They offer a list of recommended vendors as well as partnered caterers that soon-to-be newlyweds can choose from. Engaged couples who choose this venue can work with the on-site event staff should they require any assistance in coordinating their wedding here.

Catering Services

As the MacLaren Art Centre is an art museum, to protect the artworks on display as well as our permanent collection, we ask that you choose from our list of pre-approved caterers. These caterers know how to best work in the space and have proven on a regular basis to respect and keep our heritage building in good order.

Though we provide a room for caterers to use, we do not have a full-service kitchen onsite and we do not provide any equipment. The caterers listed offer a variety of high quality menu options along with great service.

Cravings Fine Food
705-734-2272
cravingsfinefood.ca

Common Good
705-734-2227
commongood.cafe

Casal Catering

705-735-2727
casalcatering.ca

Wildwood Hospitality & Catering
705-727-3772
wildwoodhospitality.com

Feast Catering & Events
705-309-5337
feastco.ca

Fresh Events from Big Grill Catering
705-790-1622
biggrillcatering.com
rusticcountryweddings.ca

Liberty North
705-728-3877
libertynorth.ca