The Art Gallery of Northumberland, a non-profit organziation, is located on the third floor of Victoria Hall in Cobourg, Ontario. Last year at this time, just before Remembrance Day, I visited their exhibition of the intriguing paintings of Canadian contemporary artist Charles Pachter (perhaps most famous for his 1972 portrait of Queen Elizabeth astride a moose).

On this visit, the main gallery was bare, in preparation for the hanging of an upcoming exhibition. However, I found the contrast between the mostly empty room and its previous (and upcoming) incarnation as an attractive gallery space quite interesting. Professional lighting, furniture, and skillfully hung art work certainly transform the space.

Victoria Hall itself, opened in 1860, is a gorgeous building which has served many purposes over the years. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1959, Victoria Hall is graced by both federal and provincial historic plaques.

One of the most interesting features of the building is the courtroom, which is said to have been constructed to resemble those in the Old Bailey in London, England. The trompe l’oeil painting of the crest and architectural details on the back wall is wonderful.

Art Gallery of Northumberland is museum no. 70 in my #100museums challenge (see 100 Museums Challenge).