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National Gallery of Canada
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Museums, Art Galleries [Edit]
380 Sussex DrOttawa, ON K1N 9N4
(613) 990-1985
- Hours:
Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
Thu 10 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
11 reviews for National Gallery of Canada
11 reviews in English
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Review from Jeff S.
Ottawa, ON
1/17/2012
"Count on a creative and artistic triumphant return of self after your visit."
The National Gallery of Canada is housed in an alluring, modern structure of glass and concrete. If you are worried about finding it, fret not, as it's beauty will capture your eye. If not, one of Ottawa's coolest landmarks will.
In 2005, the giant bronze spider, "Maman", created by Louise Bourgeois, was installed outside. It is now the landmark I am most proud of in the Nation's Capital - she's very photogenic. The Gallery is located downtown, near the Byward Market, with paid indoor parking available.
As a former employee, I know the Gallery inside and out. I have noticed some commentary stating that the collection is not as big as other galleries. I can tell you that the collection is HUGE! What you see is a tiny representation of the collection. I do not remember the exact numbers, but only a small fraction of the entire collection is on display. The pieces are in constant rotation.
I cannot really comment on another of the great art galleries (Paris, London, New York City), but I doubt many other galleries have the diversity that the Gallery has. The collection is divided into separate gallery spaces, featuring a variety of artworks from: Prints & Drawings, Photography, Modern & Contemporary, Indigenous, American & Canadian, European.
As a former employee of Protection Services, I can tell you that photography IS NOT allowed in any of the galleries.
During the summer months from May through September, the doors open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but stay open late on Thursdays till 8 pm. The Gallery is closed on Mondays, from October though April, but is open on every other day from 10 am to 5pm. The closing of the gallery spaces begins 15 minutes before closing time.
Art Lovers take note: the National Gallery of Canada has FREE ADMISSION every Thursday, from 5 to 8 pm. All day free admission days for 2012 include: Sunday May 22nd (International Museums Day), Sunday June 5th (Doors Open Ottawa), and Friday July 1rst (Canada Day).
The Voice of Fire, is probably the best known piece, for all the controversy it caused when it was purchased. Surprisingly enough, it is the work that the most people ask to see.
I never cared for the Group of Seven, until I was awed by the mastery of Lawren Harris. The first painting that caught my eye during my orientation was from Lawren Harris. I did not know it at the time, but every work that caught my eye in the Canadian gallery was my introduction of Lawren Harris. His works are distinct, unique and nothing like the other six.
My absolute favourite work is "Untitled" (Head of a Baby), Ron Mueck's hyper-real human form. The head of a very young baby at a gargantuan scale befitting a public monument. High degree of realism in his figures, which, in turn, invites close inspection. -
Review from Chris Y.
10/4/2011
It's $9 to get in. Lots of interesting art pieces from a variety of genres and periods. Unfortunately, the gallery doesn't have a good flow, and there's no efficient way to cover all the exhibits. The reason may be that there are just too many pieces to fit in?
Anyway, despite going in several circles, missing some rooms, and covering others twice, I managed to gain some culture EXP. I found the modern art exhibit to be extremely ridiculous, but it actually ended up being my favorite part, because several of them were actually quite interesting!! (not the line of bricks or the pile of carpet, though).
Seems to be a great event venue, too - sure enough, they were setting up for a wedding while I was there.Listed in: Canadia! - The Experience
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Review from Ben B.
6/12/2011
This place is like a trip to another world. And not just because of the 'are we getting invaded?' giant spider on its front porch. But, let's be clear, the giant spider has a lot to do with it.
The National Gallery is impressive enough just from the outside alone, but on the inside the visual masterpieces aren't just hanging on the walls, they INCLUDE the walls. The whole interior unfolds like a modern-day ancient temple. Ramps, open spaces, atriums, tall ceilings, hidden ponds, and an entire church from days gone by have all been integrated into the building, always keeping you guessing what's around the next corner.
Just brace yourself for the creepy giant baby face...that one sneaks up on you.
The price is completely reasonable considering you probably can't get through the museum in its completion in any less than half a day, and the wide range of styles and media within the walls means there's something for everyone to get excited about.Listed in: Ottawow!
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Review from Charles S.
12/28/2010
What's with the four star reviews, Ottawans? The National Gallery is a five-star museum.
I jogged to the National Gallery on a snowy Sunday afternoon in early December. I only had 90 minutes till closing time so I did the speed tour of the Canadian art -- the booming voice was chasing me out before I could get to the special exhibits.
The Gallery is housed in a beautiful building with an even better setting overlooking the Ottawa River. First Nation art from the appropriate time period is mixed in with European style sculpture and paintings. Very cool. The 20th Century collection is extraordinary.
Not wild about the huge spider sculpture out front, but I can see where it's a crowd pleaser for school kids on field trips. -
Review from Lisa K.
11/18/2011
Pretty nice collections, especially of Canadian art. Keep an eye out for free events.
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Review from Amanda D.
Ottawa, ON
10/17/2008
The National Gallery of Canada is a must-see for even the mildest art enthusiast in Ottawa. The permanent collection includes Canadian, Indigenous, American, European, Asian and Contemporary art. They also have a photography, prints and drawings section. Peruse these collections at your leisure for $9 (Adult) or wait to go for free on Thursday evenings from 5-8pm.
I'm usually a bigger fan of their temporary exhibits. You'll have to pay a bit more, but the exhibit concepts are usually so interesting and worth the extra bucks. The building itself is also a gorgeous marvel with a wonderful view of Ottawa and Gatineau from several of its huge windows.
I wouldn't recommend tackling the whole gallery in one trip. It takes so many hours and I find, after a bit, my appreciation of what I'm seeing becomes usurped by my hunger or antsy legs. Take the gallery in sections by occasionally stopping by with a few free hours and a fresh head to appreciate everything this gallery has to offer. -
Review from Darren M.
Ottawa, ON
11/23/2010
Over the last few years the Gallery has done a wonderful job of getting in some great exhibits.
Thankfully it's a huge building with lots of space and you won't run into too many crowded areas because a lot of people go through these doors no matter the time of year.
Usually when they host special exhibits such as the recent Pop Life, I find myself wanting to go more than once a season.
Locals should also consider this place as a venue for weddings or other large events. I went to a really nice wedding in the cafeteria last summer. That may not sound all that fancy but the staff turned the place into a great venue. The view of Parliament from inside the glass atrium in the daytime or in the evening is worth the extra cost to rent this place out.
There's also a small cafe/restaurant which serves people in the larger atrium. I've never eaten there but the setting is stunning!
The gift shop has cool gift ideas that are pretty well all themed with the art from inside the gallery.
The National Gallery has also become known now for two very intriguing outdoor pieces they've added -- the giant spider and the giant stick (recently installed behind the NGC). The stick is just as it sounds -- a giant stick that emerges from the ground and makes you go "WTF?"
The spider is a must to check out if you have kids. You can walk right underneath it and get a pretty cool photo too. If you're scared of spiders don't worry, this enormous thing isn't going anywhere. -
Review from Terri Y.
6/10/2009
It's not the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Louvre, but it's definitely a nice museum and you don't have the crowds of those places either. The architecture of the building is beautiful. I love the glassy entrance and the huge spider sculpture in front. My friend and I spent a few hours here checking out some photography exhibits and modern art. I learned a little about the seven great Canadian artists. I'd never heard of these people but I enjoyed their style very much. We wanted to see the Intuit gallery but unfortunately, it was closed.
Tip: We initially went looking for the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography but it's been merged with the National Gallery now and the old building no longer houses the photography museum. -
Review from Mortiche W.
11/26/2008
What to do on a gloomy, rainy Sunday when the tulips won't bloom?
Head over to this museum, of course!
This was such a wonderful museum, I wish I got there earlier so I could have seen more of it.
At the time when I visited, their main exhibit was from Joe Fafard, and the gigantic spider by Louise Bourgeois titled "Maman" was perched on her legs at the entrance, looming over everyone like a sentry. Needless to say, this made the Goth chick in me very happy and definitely was what drew me to the museum in the first place.
The layout is nice, they are very friendly to visitors (not hasty, borderlining on rude like some other museums) and the building design reminds me of one of my favorite architects.
The admission isn't pricey at all, and I also liked the fact that they had indigenous artwork.
Overall a very large selection of different pieces and definitely a place I will return to whenever I am in the lovely city of Ottawa. -
Review from Paul L.
9/27/2008 6 photos
This is one of the great art museums in North America and the largest in Canada. While not the size of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in its comprehensiveness, it offers, especially to visitors from the United States, a forceful introduction to numerous Canadian artists who remain unknown in the US, in addition to the large collections of European, American, Asian and contemporary art.
The Moshe Safdie rose granite building mirrors many of the contours of Parliament Hill just across the Rideau Canal and the interior is a grand setting that encompasses numerous galleries that greet the visitor one after the other. With Parliament Hill and the Byward Market nearby, the National Gallery should be included on any Ottawa itinerary. -
Review from JP D.
Calgary, AB
2/22/2010 1 photo
The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa is a fine museum. I would recommend it to art buffs and non-art buffs alike. The photography exhibits are well done and were the overall highlight for myself.
I feel like this art gallery does fall short of it's counterpart in Vancouver Art Gallery. I feel like the Gallery in Ottawa had too much emphasis on quantity and not enough on selectiveness. The Vancouver Gallery features a more focused, and localized selection of artists.
But overall I would strongly recommend visiting the National Gallery of Canada, it is however a long half day activity, so plan ahead.
