THEMUSEUM invites the community to step back in time and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Goudies Department Store, the beloved downtown landmark that now houses THEMUSEUM.
Goudies Day will take place on Sunday, March 30, offering a nostalgic experience that honours the store’s legacy and its lasting impact on the region.
Attendees will enjoy a delicious lunch inspired by recipes from The Grill Room, Goudies’ original restaurant. In partnership with The Walper Hotel, the menu includes soup, sandwiches, and the famous Goudies sticky bun.
Guests will also have a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the store with historian Joanna Rickert-Hall and Mary Dagg of the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation, who will share insights on Goudies, the evolution of downtown Kitchener, and its cultural significance.
“When I was in primary school in the 1970s, my mom would take my brothers and me to Goudies to buy new clothes for the coming school year. It was always an exciting time, as Goudies seemed so big and had so many amazing things to buy. Goudies holds special memories for my family and was part of an annual tradition as I grew up in Waterloo.” – Mary Dagg, CEO of the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation.
Tickets are priced at $50 for General Admission and $45 for guests aged 55 & Better (inclusive of taxes and fees). Each ticket includes lunch, a sticky bun, and access to all THEMUSEUM exhibitions, including GIRAFFE | A Heightened Experience, which celebrates the work and life of Dr. Anne Innis Dagg.
Guests can also pre-order sticky buns in quantities of 2, 4, or 6 when purchasing tickets online.
In addition to Goudies Day, THEMUSEUM will commemorate this milestone with a special exhibit in the Rotunda Gallery at Kitchener City Hall throughout June. Those attending Goudies Day will receive an exclusive invitation to the exhibit opening on June 4, 2025, at no cost.
The exhibit, curated by Rowan Ferreira, a student in the Museum and Cultural Management Program at Centennial College, will showcase photographs, artifacts from THEMUSEUM’s collection, and community-sourced stories. Those interested in contributing their own Goudies memories are encouraged to contact Marketing@THEMUSEUM.ca or engage via social media.
“I am delighted to collaborate with Rowan during their placement at THEMUSEUM to present this exhibit, allowing the community to celebrate Goudies in its 100th anniversary year.” – Laurel McKellar, Senior Director, Curation, Exhibitions & Program Development.
The Goudies 100th Anniversary Exhibit will run from June 4 – 29, 2025, in the Rotunda Gallery at Kitchener City Hall.
Don’t miss this special opportunity to celebrate a century of local history, reconnect with cherished memories, and experience the spirit of Goudies once again.