Confederation Centre of the Arts has an important official role as the national memorial to the 1864 Charlottetown Conference where delegates first proposed a national union.  A realistic replica of the original Confederation Chamber is located in the Centre’s Upper Foyer. The actual chamber in Province House next door is currently closed for conservation work, but the first-rate film and interpretation at Confederation Centre’s “Story of Confederation” provides a full and entertaining explanation of nation building Canadian style. For more on Confederation, visitors take in a street-side photo, game of croquet, or walking tour with the Confederation Players, who are easily recognized by their warm wool suits and charming gowns – really the only folks around town wearing top hats and carrying fluttering fans. As well, Confederation Centre’s Young Company performs lively lunch-time shows, interpreting inspiring Canadian stories through song and dance.

The Centre’s mandate to “inspire Canadians, through heritage and the arts, to celebrate the origins and evolution of Canada as a nation” is well fulfilled through the rich programming on our stages, in our galleries, and with the full explanation of the “conception of Canada” as provided by the Confederation Chamber and Players. In addition, since 2006, the Confederation Centre has presented The Symons Medal to 20 high-profile Canadians who have delivered thought-provoking lectures on the current state and future prospects of Confederation.