Constructed in 1904-05 the Conservatory building was designed for creativity, with horsehair stuffed doors to ensure state-of-the-art soundproofing in practice rooms, an acoustically inviting recital hall and a quiet attic atelier space.

Standing tall at the edge of the downtown core, the strength of the structure underpins its resilient pursuit of the arts, even through difficult times. As art and culture renew Hamilton on James Street North, the Conservatory continues its legacy at James Street South.

A building that has collected and created a lot of history inside it’s walls.

A building filled with music and dance and art...

Today this structure that was built for the arts fulfils its destiny with talents that arrive by the week, the month and the year...

There are music, dance, visual arts and drama classes for students of all ages and all levels, from recreational hobbyist to fledgling professional.  

Scroll the slides to see five storeys of enriching spaces.

The studios are filled from top to bottom with music and dance.

The onsite Art Gallery features rotating exhibits by local artists. Students of the conservatory never have to dress up to go to a gallery, they are surrounded by art and inspiration at every turn.

Through the annual concert series, the historic second floor recital hall features performing artists from around the world to inspire, enchant and entertain.

Classes, gallery shows and concerts welcome everyone in to the Conservatory...and the creativity that fills the building flows out into the community....

The building overflows its artful bounty into the world.

The HCA Dance Theatre is focused on incubation of the art of dance with and for the community ....everywhere in the community.

Dusk Dances brings contemporary dance to Bayfront Park during evenings at the end of July.

In partnership with other community organizations and supported by a variety of foundations and funders, Culture for Kids in the Arts leverages children’s natural enjoyment of art to foster lifelong cultural values.

To flow like a river, art requires humanity and energy...

At the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts many people bring their energy and their hearts to pursue their ambitions. The first was Vitek Wincza.

Wincza was a Polish ballet dancer who defected from his dance troupe’s North American tour during the only Canadian stop, in Hamilton.

At first reluctant about his English skills, he needed to be coaxed to teach, but soon discovered a love that grew into a dance school, and eventually into the purchase of the dilapidated Conservatory building in 1997.

He poured everything he had into the Conservatory and while restoring the building to its former glory, he developed his “A-B-C Concept” that infuses all of the programs and activities of the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts.

Environment, opportunity and encouragement are fundamental to Wincza’s life work.

From artists to administrators, many invest their passion, invigorating the Conservatory and enhancing the arts and culture it resonates, both inside and out.

To find out more about this organization and how you can bring your passion for the arts through its doors visit: