Best Art Galleries in Ottawa

Ottawa's art scene goes far beyond the National Gallery. Artist-run centres with pay-what-you-can admission, a 60-year-old Inuit art gallery, Canada's largest private collection, and intimate independent spaces — there's serious art to see across the city. Here are 12 galleries worth visiting.

National & Public Galleries

1. National Gallery of Canada

National Gallery of Canada on Sussex Drive is Canada's premier art museum. The Moshe Safdie-designed glass and granite building houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Canadian art, plus significant European, American, and Indigenous works. The iconic Maman spider sculpture at the entrance is one of Ottawa's most photographed landmarks.

Admission: Adults $16, free for under 24 (permanent collection free Thursday 5-8pm) | Hours: Check website

Neighbourhood: Downtown (380 Sussex Drive)

2. Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG)

Ottawa Art Gallery at Arts Court on Daly Avenue is the city's public gallery — always free. The Firestone Collection of Canadian Art anchors a program of contemporary exhibitions. The building's integration with the Arts Court complex connects it to SAW Gallery and other arts organizations.

Admission: Always free | Hours: Check website

Neighbourhood: Downtown (50 Mackenzie King Bridge)

Artist-Run Centres

3. SAW Gallery — Politically Engaged Art

SAW Gallery at Arts Court is one of Canada's leading artist-run centres, operating since 1973. Now in a 15,000 sq ft space (expanded 3x in 2019), it shows politically and socially engaged contemporary art — performance, media art, and multicultural work. Club SAW hosts live performances. 30,000+ visitors annually. Google 4.7.

Admission: Pay-what-you-can | Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-6pm

Neighbourhood: Downtown (67 Nicholas Street)

4. Gallery 101 — Media & Sound Art

Gallery 101 is a non-profit artist-run centre since 1979 in Centretown. Contemporary visual art, media art, sound art, video, and experimental film by Canadian and international artists. Professional development programs for artists and curators. Google 4.6.

Admission: Free | Hours: Tue-Sat 1-5pm

Neighbourhood: Centretown (280 Catherine Street)

Indigenous Art

5. The Snow Goose — Inuit & First Nations Art Since 1963

The Snow Goose on Sparks Street is a family-owned gallery specializing in Inuit and First Nations art since 1963. Soapstone sculptures, prints, drawings, ivory and whalebone carvings, First Nations wood and stone carvings, and Indigenous jewellery. Over 60 years of authentic Indigenous art. Google 4.7.

Admission: Free to browse | Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-4pm

Neighbourhood: Downtown (83 Sparks Street)

Commercial & Independent Galleries

6. Galerie St-Laurent + Hill — ByWard Market Contemporary

Galerie St-Laurent + Hill has represented Canadian contemporary artists in ByWard Market since 1997. Paintings, photography, and sculpture with 40+ years of private and corporate collection advisory experience. Google 4.8.

Admission: Free to browse | Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm

Neighbourhood: ByWard Market (293 Dalhousie Street)

7. L.A. Pai Gallery — Art Jewellery & Sculpture

L.A. Pai Gallery on Murray Street specializes in contemporary art jewellery and sculptural objects — ceramics, glass, metal, textile, and mixed media by Canadian artists. A unique gallery bridging fine art and craft. Google 4.9.

Admission: Free to browse | Hours: Tue-Fri 12-6pm, Sat 12-5pm

Neighbourhood: ByWard Market (13 Murray Street)

8. Wallack Galleries — Since 1936

Wallack Galleries on Bank Street is one of Canada's oldest commercial galleries, established in 1936. Figurative and abstract contemporary paintings, sculpture, and graphics. Framing, appraisal, and conservation services. Google 4.8.

Admission: Free to browse | Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm

Neighbourhood: Centretown (305 Bank Street)

9. Wall Space Gallery — Bank Street Contemporary

Wall Space Gallery on Bank Street at Sunnyside has showcased Canadian contemporary art since 2004. Painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, and more. Art consulting and custom framing. Google 4.8.

Admission: Free to browse | Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm

Neighbourhood: Old Ottawa South (1090 Bank Street)

10. Koyman Galleries — Canada's Largest Private Gallery

Koyman Galleries on St. Laurent Boulevard is one of Canada's largest private art galleries — 13,000+ sq ft across two floors, representing 175+ Canadian artists with 5,000+ works. Personal curator consultations, framing, and financing available. Since 1965.

Admission: Free to browse | Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

Neighbourhood: East End (1771 St. Laurent Boulevard)

11. Galerie d'art Jean-Claude Bergeron — Heritage Building

Galerie d'art Jean-Claude Bergeron occupies "La Maison Rochon," a heritage Victorian building near ByWard Market. Contemporary Canadian and international art — abstract expressionism, mixed media, and woodcuts. Since 1992. Google 4.9.

Admission: Free to browse | Hours: Wed-Sun 12-5:30pm

Neighbourhood: Downtown (150 rue Saint Patrick)

University Gallery

12. Carleton University Art Gallery (CUAG)

Carleton University Art Gallery houses a collection of 27,000+ works with free admission. Contemporary art, photography, and diverse media exhibitions with academic programming. Accessible by O-Train Trillium Line.

Admission: Free | Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 12-5pm

Neighbourhood: Carleton University (1125 Colonel By Drive)

The Quick Comparison

Gallery Walk Routes

ByWard Market loop (walkable): Galerie St-Laurent + Hill → L.A. Pai Gallery → Galerie Jean-Claude Bergeron → SAW Gallery → Ottawa Art Gallery → National Gallery of Canada

Bank Street walk: Wallack Galleries (305 Bank) → Wall Space Gallery (1090 Bank)

Tips

• Free galleries — Ottawa Art Gallery (always free), Gallery 101, SAW Gallery (PWYC), CUAG, and all commercial galleries are free to browse.
• National Gallery Thursday — Permanent collection free 5-8pm.
• Indigenous art — The Snow Goose on Sparks Street, 60+ years of Inuit and First Nations art.
• Biggest private collection — Koyman Galleries (13,000+ sqft, 5,000+ works).
• Oldest gallery — Wallack Galleries since 1936.
• Art jewellery — L.A. Pai Gallery is the only gallery in Ottawa specializing in art jewellery and sculptural craft.
• ByWard Market — Three galleries within walking distance (St-Laurent + Hill, L.A. Pai, Jean-Claude Bergeron).
• Rainy day — All indoor, all year-round.