Art Gallery of Alberta

Beautiful building and interesting exhibits. We had lunch at Zinc in AGA. It was pretty good, with a nice view. I would suggest it to anyone visiting or with a free afternoon.

We searched and searched all day to find it and when we finally discovered it we discovered it was not worth the search. Shakespeare said that. Well, at least I think he did. I’m paraphrasing of course. We drove around the city for what felt like hours looking for this art gallery. We didn’t check any maps, or go online, or ask anyone at the hotel for directions, or ask anyone on the street for directions, or look for signs on the street that said Art Gallery of Alberta This Way. We did none of those things. We just searched and searched. It was not worth finding when we got there. Shakespeare said that. I’m paraphrasing.
A Canadian’s idea of art is just paintings of Jack bush. I knew this going in and I told the young girl at the desk that we wouldn’t be paying full price to see hundreds of paintings of trees. We entered the space reserved for the modern art and then the postmodern art. I reached out to docent nearest our group. Another young girl, probably 14, or maybe 25. She had one of those bull rings in her nose. I asked her how can something be post modern. Modern times are happening right now, so how can anything be POST this time? It didn’t make any sense to me. The mousy young thing squeaked some gibberish about how postmodernism was a response to modernism. A departure. I gently, and I repeat– gently, squeezed her arm and pulled her closer to me so I did not have to shout at her in the gallery. A courtesy not afforded to our group by the gaggles of children screeching and spitting around every corner of the gallery, just like the incessant rumbling from the motorcycles on the streets of Edmonton. Albertans love motorcycles. They love making noise. So, I squeezed her arm ever so gently and basically whispered to her, «how. can. something. be. post. modern?»
It was at this point that they asked us to leave. We had seen enough «art» by this time anyway.
We walked out to the late afternoon sunshine beating down on us. Not as hot as it can get in Nevada, but still hot. One of the members of our party spotted a fountain across the way and suggested we check out the fountain and maybe use the small pool to cool ourselves off. I could hear the screams of the children playing from across the street but decided not to go against the group’s wishes.
I sat down on the ledge of the small pool with my back to the City Hall (what is it with this city’s obsession with triangles and pyramids?) and it did feel nice to have the cool mist hitting the back of my neck.
I looked south across the square and, through the heat waves rising off the asphalt, spied our hotel a few hundred yards away. Like an oasis in the desert.

I don’t often get to go to a museum and see actual works of art. Not only is the building itself very interesting, I think it has some great exhibits that everyone can enjoy. 3D, audio/​visual, sensory stimulation that anyone can appreciate. Their gift shop is also pretty cool. Great for some gift ideas.
Oh, and of course for those who prefer, there has been an ongoing programme for free admission :) Thank you Servus!
Free admission to the AGA on the last Thursday of every month from 6 – 9 pm.* Made possible with the support of Servus Credit Union. — See more at:
Take it in! There was a great exhibit a few months ago with lights and shiny things, stuff to touch and smell, it was awesome. Got nothing to do on a last Thursday this month? Hop by after a bite downtown, see what’s new in the world of art and culture!

It’s a small gallery and expensive for what you get to see so phone ahead to make sure all 3 floors are open and there are no closures otherwise you will be disappointed. It has a third floor outdoor patio which is nice. Having been to Italy, France and Ottawa maybe I’m just spoiled, but definitely worth a visit every couple of years. It’s free on Canada Day! The exterior is avant-​garde and looks like a can opener peeled the top off.

I’ve been here on 4 different occasions and they always seem to bring in new art. Definitely nothing like you might see in most major cities but genuinely good.

Lots to look at and welcoming to small Children

So cool! AGA offers three floors of art in a very modern (architecturally speaking) building in downtown Edmonton. Definitely not as prolific as as, say the Getty or the MOMA, but enough for an hour and a half of entertainment. Glad I got the opportunity to check out the Art Gallery of Alberta on a Wednesday night, which is when they open late (also Lego night for kids, apparently). Overall, I am glad I got to check out the art gallery for free, but not sure if I would be willing to whatever the price is for admission due to the limited exhibitions, both in quantity and selection of exhibitions.
My favorite exhibition was «kayâs-​ago» (Cree for «a long time ago») by Amy Malbeuf, which is an homage to the indigenous Cree people of Edmonton. The art itself was presented in a dimly-​lit room, with various sizes of circular panels on the wall at different heights. The panels were back-​lit, reminiscent of circular LED night lights, and the circular edges were defined in space by white caribou hair (yes, caribou!). Within the circular panels were various quotes that were meaningful to the artist; quotes ranged from familiar to unfamiliar, deep to profane, straightforward to bemusing. The typography was a simple sans serif, but impressive because it seemed like a standardized font but was made with tufts of white caribou hair, an ironic homage (in my opinion, at least) to the the native inhabitants, animals included.
I also enjoyed the gift star in the main lobby on the first floor, though I did not make any purchases. Gifts ranged from brain games that seemed to have been developed by someone the education field, to locally crafted items such as jewelry and scarves, to novelty items related to the arts exhibits. Items were certainly pricey, but was harmless to peruse.

Love the exterior of this building. Love the way it’s integrated into the interior staircase experience; overall an awesome venue, and I wish I could attend (or host) an event in the space, as it’s likely the envy of downtown Edmonton. Additionally, the rooftop patio space is excellent and although the view isn’t all that special, it’s a nice way to extend the space.
The artwork itself didn’t blow me away, and I think that there is likely an effort to build a more exciting collection. Now, I’m no expert, so it’s not really fair to judge, either. I’m happy we stopped in, and I would visit again if there was an event or special exhibit of interest.

Wonderful to see an oasis of culture blossoming in Edmonton. Wouldn’t it be great if Edmonton bull dozed some of the boring buildings around the Mall and replaced them with more architectural interesting and iconic buildings like the AGA.
Some great at work inside at the 90×90 show. Viewing a great collection of Alberta art was inspiring. I’ll be back.

I’m a big fan of installation art. If the AGA has a good exhibit that is interactive or includes installation art, I totally want to experience it. Having been going to the AGA since long before the new building was constructed, I also really enjoy attending special events here. The new building is gorgeous, eye-​catching and well worth a visit if you haven’t already.

I went for the first time, paid the 1 day entry, saw a few exhibits and got an AGA membership so that I could come back whenever I want. They offered to put my 1 day entry fee toward my membership which is fair, appreciated and with mentioning.
Its a great space, located right downtown, and they work in conjunction with other galleries across Canada. I plan on using the membership when I’m in Vancouver and at the National Gallery in Ottawa. I also will be going back regularly, hopefully to see every exhibit they host over the next year.
I tried to go into the restaurant Zinc but they had just closed their kitchen after lunch and before dinner. The café upstairs was still open but there was a street festival in Churchill square so we just ate at the food trucks and vendors out there.
I really like the patio in AGA. Im looking forward to attending events there while the weather is still nice!

Gives the downtown of Edmonton a tasteful, artsy yet stylish feel to the centre core of the city. Which is defiantly what Edmonton needs to revamp their outlook to tourists and local perspectives from the people.
Inside, defiantly allows one to escape the city mindset — you think Edmonton and you do not see edmonton insde, well that is given the mindset for me. I like to be transported when i think of art and its surroundings.

I like the new gallery — but don’t love it. It somehow seems like the quality of the visitor experience was sacrificed for the wacky exterior. After the grandeur of the entrance, some of the exhibit spaces seem forced and the transitions are often clunky.
But my biggest beef is with the price of admission. We usually go at least once a year, but at the current price would not go more often.

My boyfriend told me there was a Rembrandt and van Gogh exhibit at the AGA, so I said let’s go check out. This museum is just.. .okay. I am more into traditional art and dislike modern yet. There seemed to be an equal balance of the two at AGA. It was a nice visit, but I highly doubt I’ll be going there again. There just wasn’t enough to see.

The AGA and I have an unshakable bond… when I lived in Edmonton I saw its construction from the ground up until the masterpiece it is today.
How appropriate that a place that houses art in so many mediums and forms is a true masterpiece itself. I went to the opening of this building, became a AGA Ultra member, went to every «Refinery» party (which is a fun social night out filled with art, music, spirits, food and passion for the arts) As much as I could before I moved away and I wouldn’t think twice before visiting Edmonton again just to be able to visit this wonderful building once more.
It’s an amazing venue to rent (a previous employer rented it for a holiday party which was catered by the modern restaurant Zinc inside the gallery) You can go to art classes here, hosted events, there’s a lunch bistro on the third floor with a nice patio, and it even has a cool gift shop where you can buy one off items.
I really could go on forever, so just go. You won’t regret it… I promise!

Love our Art Gallery!!!
Every time I drive or walk by it it makes me smile. I love all of the fabulous event that are always being held there. I love classes the that the gallery puts on. And I love that Alberta had the for thought to produce such a stunning building that globally represents to the world that Albertans care about art, that we are serious about bringing top bill exhibits here, for the people of our Province.
It makes me happy to know that children in Alberta now have a state of the art facility that their school can bring them too (remember that depressing old building. Worst field trips ever!)
So kudos to every one that was involved in one way or another that made it possible to bring real art to Alberta. Now go out and get a membership, or see the current exhibits. Have lunch at Zinc and tell ‘em Jennie sent ya! No no, don’t do that last part ;)

I love the AGA simply because it offers so much. There are the exhibits, yes, but I’ve also enjoyed an afternoon on their rooftop terrace or taken adult art classes in their basement annex.
I repeatedly take guests here for an afternoon that isn’t too «museumy» and when I want to impress them with a cool example of Edmonton architecture.
I like the Gift Shop as well, as you can find more than just souvenirs from the travelling exhibits. The book selection is awesome, if you have a hard-​to-​buy-​for friend, check out the Gift Shop for an idea, or buy them a gift certificate!
I tend to enjoy the interactive exhibits upstairs as I can get a little bored moving from piece to piece whilst reading wall plaques.
I’ve spent time here with dates, my sister, my Mom and solo. Again, the terrace up top is where your hipster friends had their wedding photos taken and where you’ll find awesome views of DT Edmonton. The art classes are cheap and for beginners like me who just want to try something new. I’ve met some cool people through these art classes, and the instructors are fun and friendly.
If you haven’t checked out the AGA you should make it your business to do so. Especially now while you can enjoy their terrace!

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.

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.

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!