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Art Gallery of Alberta
Category: Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Art Galleries [Edit]
2 SIR Winston Churchill Sq NWEdmonton, AB T5J 2C1
(780) 422-6223
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Sat 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Art Gallery of Alberta
18 reviews in English
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Review from Vinny P.
5/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
As one of the non food related stops during my visit to Edmonton, I have to say that I was rather impressed with the selection here. I am very much an art amateur and I only can really talk about what I like versus what I don't like. I am not proficient in different art techniques or even its history. The works I were able to see here impressed me and I felt the price was excellent for everything I was able to take in.
We visited on a Friday around 11am and we found the gallery mostly empty save for the legion of school children running around. Even with the kids, the place was quite decent for viewing art. The pieces were presented with good spacing and each smaller gallery was tied together with a common theme which was clearly explained up front.
We ended up only making it through half of the available works before hunger got the better of us. I felt the temperature was controlled nicely and I didn't get that "I'm going to fall asleep" feeling that I have gotten in other museums.
At 12CA I really felt that my visit here was a value and I only wish photography was allowed in the galleries. I did get a small yelling at for trying to snap a photo with my iPhone. I have no flash but it didn't matter, photography is discouraged as I quickly learned. Other than the undue attention I brought on myself, I had a fantastic time here. The architecture of the building alone is worth the price of admission.Listed in: Ed(Mon)Ton
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Review from Alison P.
Edmonton, AB
1/4/2012
Love the AGA. I spent a couple hours there during my first visit and promptly bought a membership!
The AGA also has a great outreach program for those of us who want to exercise our creative muscles from time to time. -
Review from Jay T.
Edmonton, AB
4/29/2012
This building is fabulous outside and the galleries are just as amazing inside. It's a great place to spend an afternoon...I even bought a membership. On a warm day, buy a coffee upstairs, sit outside on the patio and enjoy the outdoors too.
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Review from Roman K.
Edmonton, AB
5/26/2011
Just recently Edmonton was unable to attract and host prominent touring exhibitions because its art gallery was leaking, too small, and contained inadequate climate controls. All that has changed with the beautiful and eye-catching new Art Gallery of Alberta. Situated on Churchill Square, the building captures elements of the Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Los Angeles Opera House, joining the Winspear Centre and City Hall in making the Square the architectural centerpiece of Edmonton. A result of community fundraising, the Gallery maintains its commitment to the community by maintaining free admission from 6-9 on the last Thursday of each month.
From the outside, the ribbon of metal intersects dark, symmetrical windows, symbolizing the North Saskatchewan River making its way through the city's grid-like layout. Inside, those same ribbons are lightly bathed in blue, evoking the wonders of Aurora Borealis in our glorious north. Wood paneling adds coziness to the open spaces while the rooms - sleek, modern, softly lit - lend themselves to quiet contemplation and easy maneuvering between installations. Little seen is a pleasant lecture hall in the basement. Finally, Zinc, ranked as one of Edmonton's best new restaurants of 2010, offers lunch and dinner in an artistic and urban environment. Come downtown and experience what is truly the new jewel of Edmonton. -
Review from Alouise D.
Edmonton, AB
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't get art. I realize that's a pretty broad statement, and that art is a subjective medium but art galleries aren't really my thing. I look at a painting and usually the things that come to my mind are adjectives like; neat, weird and thoughts such as, "I like that colour of blue paint." I'm never able to comprehend what an artist is trying to say about himself/herself or society in general.
Despite this I've been to the new Art Gallery of Alberta three times. Once with a friend after it first opened. Then to check out the Escher and Looney Tunes exhibit, and finally again with another friend to see the Andy Warhol exhibit.
I love that Edmonton has such a beautiful and unique space to display art from all over the world. I think the AGA has done a great job of bringing in art exhibits that will attract a wide range of people, from art aficionados, to people like me who don't really get art. There's an art area for kids, more traditional art, and even interactive art. One of my favourite exhibits on my last visit was the interactive silver cloud exhibit. I don't know what it was supposed to mean, but it was fun.
Adult admission is $12.50 but if you're a student or senior you'll only pay $8.50. Alternatively you can check out the AGA on the last Thursday of each month from 6pm to 8pm when admission is free. However; the free night gets busy, so if you like to take your time looking through a gallery and/or you want to avoid crowds then this won't be your best choice.
You can drive to the AGA and park at a nearby parkade, like the one at the library. But I recommend taking the LRT because the AGA is right next to Churchill Station. Take the escalator from the platform of the lrt station and at the top you'll see the entrance that goes to the AGA.
The AGA has a restaurant, Zinc, which I haven't been to. There's a rooftop space with different sculptures. It's not a huge, but day it give a nice view of Churchill Square and city hall. Plus the standard gift store featuring a variety of souvenirs, including postcards of the when the AGA was being built (which I thought was kinda neat). They also have souvenirs relating to the exhibits that are occurring at the time, books, and products from local artists, like Sushi Papercraft journals (disclaimer: I know the artist behind Sushi Papercraft but I still really love the journals).
The next time I come to the AGA I'm going to book a tour to learn more about what I'm seeing. Maybe I'll finally understand art, and maybe it'll always be something I don't really get. Either way I'll come back to the AGA and have a nice time trying to figure it out. -
Review from Lea A.
8/14/2011
The newly renovated Art Gallery of Alberta is something Edmontonians should be proud of: it's a very interesting piece of architecture at the heart of downtown and its exhibits are a mix of quirk and high class. It's a great place to take in some high quality art or to spend a date day.
My husband and I have gone a couple times already, to take in the Looney Tunes and Escher exhibit, which we really enjoyed. The staff at the AGA seem to be very committed in getting high quality exhibits to pass through. On a random walk down Jasper, I was discussing the AGA with my sister and a passerby overheard our conversation and made a note to say that the AGA can hold its own against the likes of the Art Gallery of Ontario. Just because it's in Edmonton, doesn't mean we can't appreciate a genuine work of Degas, and other such work you may expect in larger metropolitan cities.
The inside is an interesting 3-storey space, with also an outdoor patio and a ton of glass, wood, and light. So, beyond the exhibits shown, the place is nice enough to observe itself.
Also great: the AGA is right above the Churchill LRT station, making it very accessible to anyone wanting to take in some art. -
Review from Alex P.
8/11/2011
What a cool place to check out. It's quiet, fun, and a cost effective way to spend half a day.
The building just looks so cool. And it looks different depending on where you are within the building. Yes, I have stood on the stairs just staring at the building for 15 minutes or so.
The exhibits cater to a wide audience and demonstrate a wide range of talent, subject matter, and media. I've been intrigued, bored, upset, amused, got chills, and a bunch of other emotions during my romp around the place. There has been the odd piece featured which has stolen my attention for over an hour. I think all of that is the point, so they're doing their job effectively.
They also have a "kids" area where you can draw on a whiteboard and sticky notes, play with blocks, and post a sticky note message on the wall. I have spent a lot of time in there making big structures out of the foam blocks, too.
They also have a really cool gift shop. But it's on the expensive side.
I dunno, I just like this place. It's one of those places you get attached to very easily. -
Review from Arc P.
4/24/2011 3 photos
I write this review as a gentleman who does not frequent art galleries nor have I been to the AGA in about 8 years or so. I really enjoyed my time at the AGA.
Firstly, there is the interesting design of the building which, from a distance, looks like a shark is hugging the top. It's kind of cute.
Secondly, I love how much context is incorporated on the descriptions of the artists and art. This allowed me to appreciate the exhibits and learn more about prominent and contemporary Canadian artists. I enjoyed reading about artists like Emily Carr, Lawren Harris, Walter J. Phillips (British Artist who settled in Canada) and Brian Jungen. I had a vague idea about Emily Carr's influence on Canadian art, but came away with a better appreciation of her contribution. Her pieces were among my favourites in the gallery. Brian Jungen three pieces were fun. And Phillips' technique and work with water colours and block printing were amazing. In some cases, they resembled photographs.
Finally, I felt the staff are a passionate and friendly bunch. Almost annoyingly so, but I mean this as a complement. Clearly, they know their stuff and are not afraid to go into detail about it. I suppose one wants that from the staff of an art museum.
The experience was worth the $13+ entrance fee. Will be back very soon! -
Review from Harry V.
Edmonton, AB
10/12/2011
The AGA taught me a valuable lesson. Never go on first dates to art galleries. Neither of us were sure if we were quietly admiring the art or just having a drawn out, awkward silence. Trying to flirt in an echoey gallery with 10 other silent strangers listening to your every word is also not recommended. Needless to say, we hurried through the collections. My next visit was not as jarring an experience and I had a great time.
Listed in: Tip #1 Hold the door
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Review from Melanie L.
Edmonton, AB
2/18/2011
When many people look at the AGA, they think, "Whoa, what a strange looking building. What's it doing there? It's so outta place!" When I look at the AGA, I think, "Man, Edmonton's got it goin' on!" I do agree that it's out of place. You go one block east and you're in pawn shop central. Then again, Edmonton's out of place. It's ridiculous that almost a million people live this far north, struggling through the winters we do.
I've been to my fair share of world-class museums and galleries. The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the British Museum of London, the Metropolitan in New York and quite a few smaller but just as renowned wonders. I don't pretend to know much about art itself. I simply like the emotions art evokes. The spaces themselves say a lot about the residents and place. That being the case, I'd have to say that Edmontonians have some pretty interesting ideas on what makes a good city, if the AGA is an indication of the direction the city is moving to.
Whoever the art director is at the AGA is wonderful. I've visited about five times now and each time, AT LEAST one of the exhibits takes my breath away.
Easily one of my favourite places in the city. -
Review from Aditya R.
It's nice to, once in a while, come to a place of solitude like the AGA. I've been here three times this summer and I find it the perfect place to unwind and relax in the sublime constructs of this space enjoying some beautiful art
The quality of the exhibits are pretty good. I thoroughly enjoyed the Escher exhibit and managed to join the walking lecture on the Warner Bros. exhibit on their art work. Very interesting indeed. The Piranesi exhibit on prisons was also great.
Okay - exhibits come and go. I think what's important is that this gallery has 3 storeys with ample exhibition space coupled with a very comfortable and inviting ambience. At a time, I imagine they could have up to 8 different exhibits. The architect, Randall Stout, has given this place more functionality than his ex-boss's (Frank Gehry) works of similar grace. The outside has a very Gehreisc resemblance to it looking almost like a younger brother of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
The gift shop is cute! They have books on art, Edmonton, artists etc. along with the coffee mugs, jigsaw puzzles and the likes. Given that they have a sort-of childrens' section on the main floor, I think this place would be a good place for families.
The guides and other people who work here are quite knowledgeable and clearly enthusiastic about their job. The only downside, as I see it, is that their exhibits don't change as often as they could. If it were an enormously large gallery, that would be a good thing. But given that the exhibit sizes are relatively small, I wish they'd have at least one new exhibit every 2 months.Listed in: On Edmonton's LRT, Downtown E-town
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Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
11/15/2010 5 Check-ins Here
I can't say enough good things about the Art Gallery of Alberta. I took the tour on the architecture of the building, and all I could say was, "Wow!" Learned a ton about the unique design and the sustainable elements of the new building.
The exhibits change fairly regularly here, and the different galleries feature a refreshing range of art. From the 1800s to Looney Tunes, I think everyone could find something they enjoy. I especially enjoyed watching Looney Tunes for a few minutes on the newly-installed TVs to give my legs a break.
Cannot wait to go back and see the newest art.Listed in: Four-Stars, Date Night, Family Friendly, Along the LRT line
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Review from Arlene J.
Edmonton, AB
11/24/2010
Having never poked my head into an Art Gallery of any kind, I was a little hesitant to go to this one. However, having had the opportunity to work there and get to know the building, I have to say I've been converted.
The quality of the exhibits is amazing, and no matter what your bend is, you'll find something that captures your intellect and imagination. There is also the added convenience of coffee shops, bars, a theatre, and a gift shop, as well as an educational wing for classes.
One visit and you'll be hooked! -
Review from Amy W.
Medicine Hat, AB
3/18/2011
Edmonton needed this building. It is such an interesting space and the exhibits that they have are impressive. It's worth getting a year membership to (especially if you're a student since it's cheap) because you get free admission for a year (and some other perks). The fact that the LRT goes right to the gallery makes it convenient to get to. I went to a Degas talk and private tour and it was well worth it.
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Review from Jason L.
Edmonton, AB
Really a great exhibition space and on par if not better than most public art galleries in North America. It's not the Met or the Guggenheim, but it's as good as the VAG and the Musee des beaux arts.
The really well done Karsh, Goya and Degas exhibits have moved on, but now we've got M.C. Escher and the "Art of Warner Bros.": Bugs and Daffy.
You bet I'm going.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/8/2010 First to Review
Newly dubbed the Art Gallery of Alberta, the renovated building no longer resembles the old art… Read more »
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Review from Jack G.
Edmonton, AB
6/18/2010
I have never been to an Art Gallery before but this was impressive.
The building has been renovated and now looks and feels how I imagine an art gallery should feel. It's another cool thing to check out if you haven't before. If you are downtown you should definitely stop by. -
Review from Adam S.
11/24/2010
i had only been in the old brutalist art gallery a few times before it got knocked down and to be honest i kinda liked it.
it's okay though because the new AGA is awesome. the caliber of shows attracted to this space is fantastic. to be able to see burtysnky, warhol, matisse or degas along with much of the canadian art canon in my hometown is something that i really cherish. my favorite experience at the gallery so far has been the Cardiff/Miller installations.
this is a very high end gallery in terms of the quality of the actual space and many of the exhibitions that have been featured so far. -
Review from Paula K.
8/3/2010
Newly rebuilt with a modern design incorporating different elements, the Art Gallery of Alberta has the space and atmosphere to host world-class art exhibits. And it has been doing so since it reopened in January of 2010. The exhibit spaces are huge, well-lit, and have plenty of places to sit down and contemplate. There is a top quality restaurant on the main floor (Zinc) and a coffee car on the second floor, with an outside patio that has an incredible view of downtown. I bought a membership so I can come here and enjoy the full experience whenever I am downtown and have time. And I always make time for art.
