While most deem Canada famous for its gorgeous natural grounds and magnificent landscapes, it is also a very culturally rich country! That includes a lot of places to admire the most beautiful art pieces, sculptures, paintings, statues, and more. However, as there are quite many of them, it might be difficult to choose what fits you best, so check out our list of what we think are the best five art galleries in Canada you should visit!
Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto
At number one, we have the wealthiest and the most prominent art galleries in Canada!
Attracting approximately one million tourists annually, the Art Gallery of Ontario houses over 12 thousand art pieces of all kinds. Here you can admire impeccable designs of contemporary art, significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists, and a number of compositions by European artists.
They are also very innovative and quite supportive of the newer, not yet well-known names and artists. Solo exhibitions are always available, and you will definitely see some new names and faces!
The Vancouver Art Gallery
Jump on the Toronto to Vancouver train to discover more of the genius Canadian minds!
Undoubtedly one of the most important art galleries in the country, the Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in the 1930s, making it one of the oldest cultural institutions not only in British Columbia but all of Canada!
Discover nearly 12 thousand works dating back to the early centuries. Similarly to the Art Gallery of Ontario, this one also likes the mixture of the historical and contemporary. Endless fascinating collections are presented to the public, searching to know more about the old Canadian art and the new, fresh voices that are now forming their cultural palette.
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Quebec
Montreal’s most prominent museum is highly significant to Canada’s cultural heritage and should definitely end up on your to-see list!
Bold and innovative – this is how the critics describe the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. With their daring collections of visual arts, science, and history, MMFA somehow perfectly explains the ups and downs of Canada’s cultural development without making it too difficult to comprehend.
As the oldest museum in the country, MMFA is highly respected and, naturally, the most visited one. Initially, it was founded to encourage appreciation of the art workers here in the city, but since its opening in 1860, it grew into something much more mainstream and profound. Enjoy the major collections of intricate canvases, loud paintings, contemporary visuals, and some of the most impressive artifacts!
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax
Yet another innovative Canadian museum, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, is a scholarly work put together by great minds behind the country’s artistic success.
It is well-known in the art world that the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia works on three principles. Firstly, they spend a lot of time researching Nova Scotia’s local artists and work on their regional cultural development with the help of solo or group projects.
Moreover, the exciting exhibitions must be prepared in a way that intrigues you and makes you want to learn more and interpret the history of art. Finally, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia aims to establish regional, national, and international relations regarding its collections.
In simple words, Halifax’s main art gallery is a well-planned and executed establishment that focuses solely on people’s art education and visual pleasure. So naturally, you must try it out!
Art Gallery of Alberta, Alberta
Finally, let’s see what the gorgeous Alberta has to offer!
Established in 1924, the museum is an excellent center of all kinds of visual art, colorful in its displays and some of the most intricate works in Western Canada. The exhibitions are ever-changing, but there are several permanent collections, which are deemed the most important and essential part of your tour.
While displaying only a little over 6 thousand pieces, the Art Gallery of Alberta is still a stunner! With some of the most beautiful works of abstract art and impeccably designed sculptures, the museum is a significant cultural compound, showing love for both historical and contemporary art. This primarily includes photography and other kinds of print, but a picture speaks louder than words in this case!
Spend some quality time getting to know Canada’s cultural base and the most beautiful art pieces! Remember to book tickets in advance so that your tour is guaranteed and even more anticipated. Good luck, and enjoy every bit of it!
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
