National Gallery of Canada

About the National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is the country's premier fine arts institution, founded in 1880 by Governor General John Campbell (Marquess of Lorne) in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. It is one of Canada's oldest cultural institutions and holds the world's most comprehensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art.

The current building, designed by Canadian-Israeli architect Moshe Safdie, opened on May 21, 1988, on a dramatic site overlooking the Ottawa River with views of Parliament Hill. The glass-and-granite structure covers over 46,000 square metres and features 12,000 square metres of exhibition space. Its defining feature is the Scotiabank Great Hall — a three-storey glass cupola inspired by the Gothic cathedrals of Europe — which floods the entrance with natural light and frames Parliament Hill through its towering windows.

The Collection

The permanent collection holds over 93,000 works spanning Canadian, Indigenous, European, American, Asian, and contemporary art.

Canadian and Indigenous Art

The most extensive collection of Canadian art in the world. The galleries trace Canadian artistic history from 5,000 years ago to the present, with works by:

• Group of Seven — Tom Thomson, Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, Arthur Lismer, and others
• Emily Carr — Her Pacific Northwest and Indigenous-influenced landscapes
• Contemporary Canadian artists across painting, sculpture, photography, and new media
• First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists — The Gallery holds one of the world's largest collections of Indigenous art, with dedicated Inuit Art galleries on the lower level

In 2017, a $7.4 million renovation created the landmark Canadian and Indigenous Art: From Time Immemorial to 1967 gallery (rooms A101–A116), exhibiting nearly 800 paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, silver, and decorative objects side by side.

European and American Art

The Gallery's first European acquisition dates to 1907 (Gainsborough's Ignatius Sancho). The collection now includes works by Rembrandt, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh, as well as major American Abstract Expressionist works. Highlights include Barnett Newman's Voice of Fire (1967), a monumental colour-field painting that sparked national debate when acquired in 1990.

Contemporary Art

Approximately 1,500 works from artists since the 1990s, including David Altmejd, Janet Cardiff, Chris Ofili, and Lee Bul.

Architectural Highlights

The Scotiabank Great Hall — The building's dramatic centrepiece: a soaring three-storey glass cupola at the top of the main ramp. Safdie described the ramp as a deliberate "procession" to prepare visitors for the grandeur ahead.

Rideau Street Convent Chapel — The single largest artwork in the Gallery's collection is an entire 19th-century Gothic Revival chapel. The interior of the Rideau Street Convent Chapel (designed by priest-architect Georges Bouillon, completed 1888) was rescued from demolition in 1972 and reassembled inside the Gallery. Its cast-iron columns, vaulted ceiling, and stained glass make it one of Ottawa's most remarkable interiors.

Maman — Outside the main entrance stands Louise Bourgeois's iconic bronze and stainless steel spider sculpture, standing 9.27 metres tall with a sac of 26 white marble eggs suspended beneath its abdomen. The Gallery acquired Maman in 1999 for $3.2 million — one of an edition of six cast from Bourgeois's original. It is one of the most photographed public artworks in Canada.

Admission

Save $3 per ticket when purchasing online in advance.

Special exhibitions may have separate pricing — check the website before visiting.

Free Thursday Nights

Every Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, admission is free to all visitors for all exhibitions. The evenings feature art-making activities, guided tours, live music, and seasonal refreshments. Free tickets are required and can be booked online or picked up at the box office on arrival. This program is presented by BMO.

Dining

Cafeteria des Beaux-Arts — The Gallery's cafeteria serves daily hot specials, a salad bar, dessert bar, kids' menu, and made-to-order sandwiches. Set in a glass rotunda with a private patio, it offers views of Nepean Point, the Ottawa River, and Parliament Hill. NGC Members receive a 20% discount on food (minimum $5 purchase).

Café l'Entrée — A smaller café near the main entrance for quick refreshments.

Gift Shop (Boutique)

The Gallery Boutique stocks a curated selection of art books, posters, stationery, decorative accessories, jewellery, toys, and exhibition merchandise. Items are largely inspired by the Gallery's collection or made by Canadian artists and designers. NGC Members receive a 15% discount on most purchases. The Boutique's online store ships across Canada.

Getting There

By Transit

• Several OC Transpo buses stop on Sussex Drive and in the surrounding area. Use the OC Transpo trip planner (octranspo.com) for current routes and stops.
• From Gatineau: STO buses stop at King Edward or Rideau Centre — the Gallery is a short walk from either stop.
• The nearest O-Train station is Rideau Station (Line 1 / Confederation Line) — approximately a 15-minute walk west along the canal and then north.

By Car

• Underground parking garage on-site, open daily 6 AM – 11 PM (no overnight parking)
• Rate: $2.75 per half-hour; daily maximum$21 (Members: $16)
• Garage clearance: 6 feet (1.82 m)
• The garage is for Gallery visitors and employees only

On Foot / By Bike

• A 10–15 minute walk from the ByWard Market or Major's Hill Park
• Ottawa's cycling network connects via the Colonel By Drive pathway along the Rideau Canal

Accessibility

The National Gallery is fully wheelchair accessible. Free services include:

• Wheelchair and walker loans — available at the coat check, no reservation required
• Accessible washrooms throughout the building
• Elevators serving all gallery levels
• Adapted tours for visitors with disabilities, using sensory-based strategies
• Art InSight program — specialized tours for visitors who are blind or have low vision
• Audio amplification for guided tours

For accessibility inquiries: 613-990-4888 or [email protected]

Visitor Tips

• Plan at least 2–3 hours for the permanent collection highlights; a full day for in-depth exploration
• The Great Hall and Rideau Chapel alone are worth the visit for architecture enthusiasts
• Thursday evenings (5–8 PM) are the best value — free admission, social atmosphere, live programming
• Coat check available — useful for winter visits
• The building's exterior, especially the glass towers and the Maman spider, are best photographed in morning light
• Combine with a walk along Sussex Drive to the ByWard Market (10 minutes north) or Major's Hill Park (adjacent)