Art Gallery of Hamilton

This museum continues to surprise me with the strength of their permanent collection. Jean-​Antoine Houdon’s, ‘Flayed Man’, from 1767; is a rare plaster figure. Other museums in North America may have one of Houdon’s many busts but to see a refined life-​sized figure on display was special. Charles Cordier’s gilded bronze, ‘Chinese Man’, from 1853, is another rare work. Currently on display in an upper floor gallery, it shimmers in the natural light that floods the space.
The AGH’s temporary exhibition didn’t disappoint, either. Dorian FitzGerald’s monumental canvases are richly layered in acrylic and caulk. The grandiose interiors of a Portuguese palace and Munich beerhall are almost overwhelming. Getting close to each canvas reveals the skill of the acrylic and caulk blending: it’s like paint-​by-​numbers.
Because of the limited square footage at the AGH, it’s almost a new experience every time I visit because the galleries are changed frequently. Dust doesn’t gather here.

Another delightful Hamilton surprise. I need to give this city a break, I come here unconsciously expecting to be disappointed. Meanwhile it turns out there are many great things Hamilton has to offer.
This is a lovely gallery. I came for the Cezanne exhibit, what a great treat. There are just a few people walking around the gallery, plenty of room to enjoy the pieces. There is a good quantity of work scattered in different galleries. Ranging from classical to contemporary. The gallery space itself has a modern feel that reminds of a smaller version of AGO (I need to stop making comparison points to Toronto in my reviews. But I won’t…yes after living in Toronto for a few years, I’ve turned into one of those obnoxious ‘Toronto is the universe’ people… apologies.)
I really enjoyed the old metal beat-​up VW van with all the figurines on it. Did anyone else think of the ‘Lego’ movie when they saw this? Or of your own personal collection of figurines as a child? I had flashbacks to saving my figurines from Burger King kids meal (had a whole collection of Archie and friends riding in little cars…)
Great gallery, I plan to return next time an exhibit comes through. Was curious about their young professional membership, but when I looked on their calendar, event opportunities seemed sparse. Will wait to see if it fills up

Ontario’s third largest art gallery is the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH).
The gallery underwent a renovation a few years back and the efforts are worth it: the architecture is modern and airy. There are several rooms dedicated to current and permanent exhibits, as well as a small café and sculpture courtyard.
The gallery is easy to get to as it’s on King Street, one of the main arteries in the city. Admission to the gallery is a definite draw. For a major exhibit (currently it’s Emily Carr), the adult ticket is $ 10. What a value!
Take a look through their gift shop too and buy items from local Hamilton artists.