This riverside museum features artwork from throughout Canada’s history in a massive, glassy structure.
With exhibits ranging from Indigenous artefacts to contemporary video installations, the National Gallery of Canada features one of the most comprehensive showcases of Canadian art history in the nation. Tour part of a 30,000-piece collection from across Canada and the world.
The first masterpiece you’ll see at the National Gallery of Canada is the building itself. A glassy, triangular structure towers over the rest of the museum. Once you’ve entered the building, proceed to the Great Hall. Here, the museum pays homage to the national capital in which it stands, with a grand view of Parliament Hill.
Enter the first exhibition hall to see Canadian paintings alongside 18th-century artifacts. See the beautiful designs of Canada’s earliest residents in the Indigenous galleries. Explore the Contemporary Art galleries to see experimental installations from today’s Canadian artists. Sculptures from the second century to the present day are scattered throughout the gallery as well.
Take a walk through the Taiga Garden to step into one of the masterpieces of Canadian art. The garden was landscaped after Terre Sauvage, a painting by A. Y. Jackson. Jackson belonged to the famous Group of Seven, who forged a distinct Canadian tradition of art by bucking European traditions. To get a sense of the tradition that the Group of Seven rebelled against, browse the European Collection, which includes canvases by 17th-century masters like Rubens and Van Dyke.
Browse the extensive gift shop to get a book on your favourite Canadian artist or a poster of the painting you most enjoyed in the gallery. If you get hungry during your visit, have lunch while enjoying Ottawa River views in the Cafétéria des Beaux-Arts.
Located right on the Ottawa River, the National Gallery of Canada is easily accessible by public transportation from downtown Ottawa. Château Laurier, ByWard Market and Parliament Hill all lie a short walk away. If you are driving, you can park at the gallery for a fee. Opening hours for the museum vary, so check the National Gallery of Canada website in advance. Visit on Thursday evenings for free general admission.
