PAMA, the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, brings together art, local history and a real 1867 jail in downtown Brampton. Here are the hours, admission prices, free-entry options and parking tips.
PAMA tells the story of Peel Region, which covers Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. It sits on the corner of Main Street and Wellington Street East, across from City Hall and Gage Park. What makes it special is the building itself. PAMA joins the 1867 Peel County Courthouse, the Peel County Jail (in use until 1977), an 1890 land registry office and a 1950s county building, all connected by an underground tunnel.
Things to see and do
- The art gallery: rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical work by local, Canadian and international artists.
- The museum and jail: walk through the old cell blocks, now used as exhibition space, and learn about the people who lived and worked inside.
- The archives: Peel’s historical records, photos and maps. They’re great for family history and house research. Archives hours differ from the gallery, so check before you go.
- Workshops and programs: art workshops, family days, tours, kids’ birthday parties and seasonal events. See upcoming Brampton events.
Plan your visit
| Address | 9 Wellington St E, Brampton, ON L6W 1Y1 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 905-791-4055 |
| Hours | Monday to Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. |
| Admission (+ HST) | Adults $8; seniors $6; students and youth (5 to 25) $6; families (2 adults + up to 5 children) $20 |
| Free entry | During the last hour before closing, and with a free library pass from Brampton Public Library and other local libraries |
| Parking | 3 accessible spaces on site; municipal garages nearby (City Hall, John Street); downtown meters $2/hour, 90-minute limit, Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Holiday hours | Open Nov 11. Dec 24 and Dec 31 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Dec 25, Dec 26 and Jan 1 |
Tips for visiting
- Go on a Thursday evening. PAMA stays open until 9 p.m., and the last hour is free.
- Borrow a library pass. Brampton Public Library lends free PAMA passes with your library card.
- Check the free-admission list. Entry is free for Indigenous visitors, military families, Ontario Certified Teachers and some others. Newcomers in the Canoo program also get free entry. See PAMA’s admission page.
- Pair it with Gage Park and The Rose. All three are within a five-minute walk.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PAMA cost?
Adults pay $8 + HST, seniors and youth $6, and families $20. Entry is free in the last hour before closing.
Is there free parking at PAMA?
There are only 3 accessible spaces on site. Most visitors use a nearby municipal garage or downtown street parking.
Can you go inside the old Brampton jail?
Yes. The 1867 jail is part of PAMA’s museum, and its former cell blocks hold exhibitions.
New to the city? Start with our New to Brampton guide, or browse more things to do in Brampton.
Official information
PAMA: hours and admission. Hours and prices can change, so confirm before you go.
Updated October 2026