Willowbank is designated by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada as one of the best examples of early 19th century Classical Revival architecture in North America. The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank is the only institution in Canada that offers a Diploma program balancing theory and practice in heritage property conservation and restoration. For thousands of years people have been drawn to Willowbank. Sitting high above the Niagara River, the site represents optimism and possibility. From the earliest nomadic hunters who camped here to the First Nations communities who settled here to the prominent families who made Willowbank their home many eras of human habitation attest to its power of place. 
 
Today Willowbank estate shares the site with a School of Restoration Arts. On the grounds and within the early-19th Century mansion, visitors discover restoration-in-action, as they view the sites architectural and landscape features as well as artifacts from centuries of activity. Several working archaeological sites are on view.

The Schools full-time program involves students and 50+ faculty members, and its educational outreach extends far into the community through lecture programs and conferences.  From jazz festivals to a harvest ball, weddings to village picnics, community events grace the grounds today as they have for over two hundred years.