National Gallery of Canada
Overview & Mission
The National Gallery of Canada, founded in 1880 and re-established under the Museums Act in 1990 as a federal Crown corporation, is Canada’s premier visual arts institution. It is mandated to develop, maintain, and share a national and international collection of artworks—historic and contemporary—with special, but not exclusive, focus on Canadian artists and themes. The Gallery aims to foster appreciation, knowledge, and engagement in visual arts among all Canadians.
Architectural Landmark
Nestled beside the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, the Gallery’s 1988 building was designed by Moshe Safdie. Rendered in glass and granite, it is a light-filled architectural icon offering panoramic views of Parliament Hill.
Collections & Exhibitions
The Gallery’s collection includes more than 93,000 works by Indigenous, Canadian, European, American, Asian, and contemporary artists. Highlights include iconic Canadian works—such as Group of Seven paintings, Tom Thomson’s The Jack Pine, Inuit and Indigenous art—as well as modern landmarks like Louise Bourgeois’s Maman and Janet Cardiff’s Forty-Part Motet. Beyond exhibitions, it actively organizes travelling shows and loans artworks internationally.
Public Programs & Accessibility
The Gallery offers free admission Thursdays evenings, complimentary access for Indigenous visitors and companions of people with disabilities, and competitive ticket pricing. Visitors can enrich their experience with guided tours, artist talks, creative workshops, and educational events throughout the year.
Library, Archives & Research
The National Gallery supports scholarship and public education through its extensive library and archives—housing hundreds of thousands of volumes, periodicals, artworks’ documentation, and research materials—making it a leading visual arts research centre in Canada.
Final Thoughts
The National Gallery of Canada stands as a cultural beacon: architecturally distinguished, rich in diverse art collections, and deeply committed to public outreach and scholarly excellence. It remains central to Canada’s cultural identity, fostering creativity and learning across generations.
