Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center

Country Canada
City Kahnawà:ke
Customer Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke
Surface area 5,730 m²
Year 2026
Certification ZCB-Design (target)

A true cultural and community hub, the new Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center will meet the growing needs of the Kanien’kehá:ka community.

The project revolves around a central space, a common area accessible to all, linking all the institutions: a museum, a theatre, a cultural and language school, an outdoor amphitheatre and a multi-purpose room.

Interior of Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center

Modeled on the Aionwà:tha wampum belt, the Cultural Center’s Grand Common Hall pays tribute to nations of the Rotinonhsión:ni Confederacy, with five sky lights to the roof and the presence of a white pine on the East side and a fire pit on the West side.The Grand Common Hall is a warm place for sharing and exchange, bathed in natural light. The future three-storey Zero Carbon Building will harmonize with the surrounding landscape, with materials being carefully selected to reflect a connection to nature.

The Museum will be characterized by natural wood and various cultural artifacts.

Plan of the exterior of Kahnawà:ke Cultural Arts Center

The Forest Room, with views of nature, and Kid's Nook, a space designed for children integrated under the Museum ramp.

“The goal of this project is to build a state-of-the-art facility that will become a beacon of Onkwehonwe knowledge. All people will be welcome to visit as we believe the key to co-existence is gaining a meaningful understanding of each other.”

– Ohén:ton Ne Ï:iente Ratitsénhaienhs (Grand Chief), Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, Chairperson Kahnawà:ke Cultural Center Arts, Cabinet Campaign

Housing 170 retractable seats, the Turtle Island Theatre will be the first facility providing comfort, integrity, and professional universally accessible auditorium services in Kahnawà:ke.