Get Your First Look at the New Justin Bieber Exhibit in Stratford, Ontario

When FLARE heard that a Justin Bieber exhibit was opening in the singer’s hometown of Stratford, Ont., we just HAD to go. After all, like the rest of the world, we too are Beliebers.

Located in the quaint Stratford Perth Museum, Steps to Stardom—the first-ever exhibit dedicated solely to this Canadian treasure—tells the origin story of Bieber’s rise to fame. From busking as a kid on the steps of the Avon Theatre, to performing in local talent shows, to selling millions of records worldwide, this exhibit is a comprehensive history lesson in all things Justin Bieber.

With items ranging from an old hockey bag to a personal letter from Michelle Obama and just about everything in between (think library cards, old notes and anything else someone’s grandparents would save), Steps to Stardom is more than just an exhibit; it’s a hometown love letter to Bieber.

The museum’s general manager, John Kastner, gave FLARE an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the new exhibit, and walked us through its Bieber archives. We also chatted with some of Justin’s earliest mentors—including childhood family friend Nathan McKay—about what the 23-year-old pop star was like before the world knew him as The Biebs. Suffice to say, we fell in love with JB all over again.