National Gallery of Canada

I’m not sure why I had such low expectations for the NGC but it certainly exceeded them.
They have a decent collection of Canadian pieces (Group of Seven, Regina Five), Aboriginal art (Norval Morisseau), a small Inuit section (mostly handicrafts and some paintings), an impressive European art section, and some funny Contemporary art by Chris Cran. In order to properly appreciate everything, we needed a good 3 – 5 hours — and that doesn’t include the special exhibit they had on about Madame Vigee LeBrun.
Thankfully, you’re provided with free coat check as backpacks aren’t allowed in the gallery itself. Parking isn’t included but they don’t gouge you with prices either. The ticket prices are a bit steep — even if you’re a student ($ 14 not including the exhibit).
We really enjoyed ourselves. Only wished there was more aboriginal art as my partner really enjoys that style. Overall, it has got nothing on the Met or Louvre but for a humble country this far up North, we did a respectable showing.

Last week, I had the privilege of spending a splendid day, enjoying its fine array of Canadian Art, after savoring its excellent collection of European paintings and sculpture, the previous days. I consider the National Gallery of Canada to be Canada’s best art museum. Canadian favorites of mine that day included;Adolphe Vogt’s“Niagara Falls”, Homer Watson’s“Stone Road”, James Morrice’s“Pink House, Montréal”, Marc Aurele Fortin’s“Landscape, Hochelaga”, Tom Thomson’s“Moonlight”, Lawren Harris’”North Shore, Baffin Island”, David Milne’s“Grey, Brown, Black”), William Kurelek’s“Winter Home”, and Jacque de Tonnancour’s“Sugar Loaf, Rio”.Painters with numerous paintings in this fine art museum included Antoine Plamondon, James Morrice, Maurice Cullen, Lawren Harris, Tom Thomson, Alexander Jackson, Marc Aurele Fortin, Jean Riopelle, and Emile Pierre Borduas. I also appreciated this museum’s collection of Contemporary Art by International artists including;George Segal («Gas Station”-creation), Jorg Immendorf, and Neo Rauch („Blue Fish“)plus Louise Bourgeise’s“Maman», an enormous spider-​like creation. This art museum has a fine atmosphere and I appreciate its fine labelling and explanations for the works of Art in both English and French.

It was a pleasure to see so many great pieces from Canadian artists. There is a vast collection of both historical and contemporary works but the highlight, for me, was the first time seeing Cezanne’s ‘Portrait of a Peasant’. The café had some surprisingly good food and the views from the café patio are marvellous.

Good place to see some good expensive art.

I’ve been coming to this place since I was 6. Admission is free on Thursdays and you can see everything from the permanent collection. You have to pay extra for the special collections. The museum can be a little disorienting, but there are free maps at the entrance and they can be very helpful. One of the best ways to reorient yourself in the museum is by finding the garden. It links all the different exhibits. The special collection changes often, but the permanent exhibit changes from time to time as well. They put things in the storage and take out new things. There are many volunteers who are more than willing to explain different artists and paintings to you. There’s a paid parking underneath the museum and the fees are quite reasonable.

If anyone knows of a better art gallery in Canada please let me know where it is! I’ve been to the National Gallery a few times and each time I’ve come here I am stunned by it’s magnificence!
I spent about 4 hours on a Thursday morning/​afternoon walking through the entire gallery. I got the walking audio guided tour. It’s $ 6 extra, but I like it cuz it gives me a different perspective on the art pieces. The audio guide often also provides some background and history on the artist and the piece.
Generally, the 1^st level houses Canadian artists… Contemporary and older classics. I’m not a big fan of the Group of Seven but their works seem to dominate this floor. Still I think there are lots of talented Canadian artists that don’t have the cache of the European masters that don’t get the credit they deserve. Check it out and judge for yourself!
Level 2 is generally the European art pieces… Contemporary and the old classics.
The cafeteria is located on the first level. It’s a nice place to take a coffee break.
I once had a discussion with a friend… He stated that ‘art is not necessary’! We had a long and at times a heated discussion… All I can say is I wish he could find the time and inclination to come to the National Gallery and absorb the atmosphere! It is truly awe inspiring… Being in the presence of all that beauty and tranquility makes us all a bit more human!

A great place to go. I first went here as a kid and I am never disappointed whenever I go.

Have lived in Ottawa for years and only recently went to the National Gallery.
It takes more than one visit to see everything the gallery has to offer, but I’m glad I went. Even if you aren’t «into» art, there is so much to see and impress pretty much everyone.

Beautiful building, loved learning about the seeing the works of the Group of Seven. Saw the Escher exhibit while we were there, and really enjoyed seeing the real works up close.

The National Gallery of Canada is a fantastic example of Canadian architecture and design. So often when I’m walking through, I stop and look at the building as it in itself is art. From the beautiful vaulted ceilings, to the gorgeous views of the Ottawa river, to the amazing amount of natural light that permeates the building, this is a Canadian treasure. I have been to many museums. In fact, I am a bit of a museum junkie. The NGC holds it own against many of the galleries that I have seen in Canada, the United States, and through Europe.
Last night, I had the good fortune to take in the special exhibit for M.C. Escher: The Mathemagician. I’ve been wanting to see this since it first came to the gallery, so when a friend mentioned an interest, this gave me the push to finally make the time and I’m so glad that I did! I have loved Escher for many years. I was first drawn in by his «Relativity» lithograph (more commonly known as the stairs that go up and down and defy gravity). The way he played with illusion and the manner in which his drawings tricked the eyes, left me wanting more. I would enjoy following the lines, turning pictures back and forth, moving them closer and further away from my face, much in the same way that children will stare at hidden 3D optical illusions waiting until the picture pops out at them.
More recently, what drew me back to Escher was a TED talk by Philip Zimbardo of the Stanford Prison Experiment fame (or infamy?!). In the talk, Zimbardo describes Escher’s «Circle Limit IV» which is an illusion depicting angels and demons where the eye can only really effectively focus on either the angels or demons at one time. Zimbardo explains Escher’s illusion in his book «The Lucifer Effect: How Good People Turn Evil»:
«Three psychological truths emerge from Escher’s illusion. First, the world is filled with good and evil — was, is, will always be. Second, the barrier between good and evil is permeable and nebulous. And third, it is possible for angels to become demons and, perhaps more difficult to conceive, for devils to become angels» (Zimbardo, 3, 2008).
Zimbardo’s explanation, which so starkly depicts the human condition, left me compelled to study this picture in detail. The opportunity to see it in person was too good to pass up. I was not disappointed to see it in person.
A lovely feature of special exhibits is that, unlike in regular exhibits, you can take flashless photography. My friends and I spent a lot of time in the Escher exhibit, where we were able to pose next to our favourites.
On this particular visit, I also went to check out the indoor gardens, where I chatted with an aspiring artist/​Fine Arts student doing some hand drawing, some of the Canadian Modern Art exhibits, and the Rideau Centre Convent Chapel. This was my first time in the Chapel. It’s best feature is the booming chorus music which is both incredible and daunting.
The National Gallery of Canada is a worthwhile venture any day of the week, but I will say a Thursday night is great for a couple of reasons. First, unlike weekends, it isn’t super busy. I never had to wait to see anything. Second, Thursday from 5 – 8 is free for the public and this includes special exhibits.
Take the opportunity to get in and explore M.C. Escher’s: Mathemagician before it’s gone! I’ll likely be going back for a second go!

The gallery is a favorite place to go for their special exhibits — and to see what’s changed in the regular exhibits as well. I seem to end up here once or twice a year, and I know I’ve not yet seen everything. (I really should take better advantage of it!)
One thing to note: Not only is it a beautiful art gallery — but the gallery store is a *fantastic* place to find interesting gifts around Christmas. For example you can find art-​based puzzles, light switch covers and umbrellas — as well as books on art and photography, silk scarves and fun educational toys for children. This is the best ‘museum store’ I’ve found.
Would I return: Yes.
Would I recommend: Yes

Won’t let us drink water in the museum. Other than that it was ok, but the prices are ridiculous; it used to be free.

The National Gallery of Canada is a good place to visit. I am spoiled, having grown up so close to the AGO, and so my review is only 3 stars. The building itself is interesting to go through and the collection is quite good although small in comparison. The building is cold and unwelcoming. It feels a bit like a bank or office building. It can be difficult to get around the exhibits. There should be more direction and art in the main walkways! I would love to see more international artists brought to the National Gallery of Canada. Also, I would love to see more explanations about particular time periods and themes to the rooms. If you are in Ottawa and are an art lover, or are interested in art, I would plan a visit. This can be easily be done in a few hours without compromising what pieces to see.

I’m a huge fan of the National Gallery of Canada. I’ve been there a few times and I still don’t think I’ve seen the whole thing. It doesn’t look that big from the outside but once you’re inside there is a lot to see. Great place to go on a date!
It IS a little expensive… but that’s understandable for what it is. I usually try to go on Thursdays after 5pm when admission is free.

I think the National Gallery considered me a pest. You see, I emailed them once a year asking them to revert to their former policy permitting personal non-​flash photography in their permanent collections. When they replied, it was a polite no. Fortunately, in the last few years, the National Gallery, the AGO in Toronto, and the AGH in Hamilton have realized that, in the age of the smartphone, keeping cameras out of museums is almost impossible.
I was glad to again take photos with a better camera and reacquaint myself with some of my favorite pieces here. I ran to the lower level to snap photos of Inuit art then moved directly to a gallery featuring Tom Thompson. It was fun.
However, if I didn’t have a camera, I wouldn’t have been disappointed on this visit because I spent the most time in the rebuilt Rideau Chapel listening to Janet Cardiff’s Forty-​Part Motet. Individual voices were recorded separately so I could walk around the room and hear a chorus in a room of black rectangular speakers positioned at chest-​high level: one voice in each speaker. I was surrounded by what felt like a real concert but I wasn’t fastened to a seat so I could get close to each voice and listen deeply.
What made it so intimate was that the recording didn’t stop when the musical passage concluded. I was able to hear the whispers, coughs, and subtle noises from each speaker. After a few minutes, the next musical passage would begin like a slow train gaining steam, each voice layering on top of the others. I didn’t want to leave this room and I imagined taking all of the speakers with me to set them up in other spaces: abandoned churches, empty factories, corporate office lobbies, and in a field after a heavy snowfall. Being able to interact with these voices in this special way made me appreciate the space of the Rideau Chapel so much more.

Come on Thursdays and get into this biatch for FREE, like I did.
Its a museum. Full of art.
I’m not going to list all the artists or particular paintings I liked and have you reading, bored to death.
So, large number of genres of art offered, plenty of outside sculptures around the building, and free coat check. Overall, definitely worth checking out. Each museum always offers new perspectives, pieces, etc.
Oh, shout-​out to my healthy peeps and why its not getting five stars, you cant bring water in!. I have been to museums from West to East Coast of the USA, and other cities in Canada and this is my FIRST denial. When you spend about 3 – 4 hrs in this place, it is a big deal.
#desertthroattimeyay

I’ve no idea how I failed to review this place in the past, but an absolute must visit for art lovers in the nation’s capital. Free admission times vary, but the collection is across the board impressive while concourses are large and displays are beautifully lit, largely via natural conduits.

The National Gallery of Art is a beautiful place with great art. I always worry about museum reviews when the first line in over half of the reviews mentions how great the «building» is. (Kind of like the Getty) Well, what about the art?
The building and it’s layout are certainly nice. Interior courtyards with both fountain and flora add to the beauty. There is a majestic sense of scale here too.
What impressed me more was the great selection of Canadian Art, including the Group of Seven. I was thoroughly impressed by the brilliant mix of landscapes and townscapes (expected) juxtaposed with some amazing portraits and scenes of everyday Canadian life.
The museum also has a respectable, but small section of Impressionist paintings. There is at least one Van Gogh, a Renoir, and a few works by Gaugin, Sisley, Monet, Cezanne, Pisarro and others.
There are also sections for contemporary, American, and Inuit Art as well.
Currently, the museum is 12 $ per adult, with discounted prices for kids, seniors, students, etc.
The National Gallery is a gem. It is definitely worth a visit.

This is a world class art gallery that accurately represents the diversity of Canadian art. The building layout is confusing at first, and it takes a couple trips to fully absorb the whole collection on display.
On thursdays after 5pm, admission is free! I suggest going then. It is also less busy at this time.

I love being alone in a great big museum, this is perfect zen to me, sun streaming through huge windows, following your eye towards things that give you joy, stopping to sit and soak in beauty, and the National Gallery is ideal for this. The layout is unpredictable, it keeps opening up in tall long inspiring halls or tiny bright squares full of light where you didn’t expect them, and there are big comfy chairs everywhere and sculpture you can touch.
The permanent collection has some real joyous gems in it, and right now there is incredible Inuit art in the basement, a huge Christmas tree surrounded by windows looking out on the river and the Parliament buildings, and utterly dreamy and delirious contemporary art that had me swooning and taking notes.
The food in the café and bistro area was only medium but the service was friendly and fast and the wine did what wine should in the late afternoon sitting in the setting sun with a heart full of art.

Parmi tous les musées d’art que je connais, le Musée national des beaux-​arts à Ottawa est un de mes préférés.
L’architecture particulière de cet immense musée est remarquable. L’ambiance générale du musée a quelque chose de fascinant. Il y a un je né sais quoi qui fait que chaque fois que j’en franchis les portes, je m’y sens bien et j’ai envie d’y rester le plus longtemps possible!
Plusieurs salles abritent différentes sections de la collection, toutes périodes confondues. J’aime tout particulièrement les sections consacrées à l’art moderne et à l’art contemporain. Un petit plus: le musée y expose un mobile de Calder, un artiste que j’affectionne. Les collections permanentes valent le détour, le musée possède plusieurs belles pièces. Et les expositions temporaires sont généralement assez intéressantes.
L’immense sculpture en forme d’araignée de Louise Bourgeois, qui orne le pavé devant le musée, est également très impressionnante.
La vaste superficie de cette institution muséale fait en sorte qu’on né se sent jamais à l’étroit, pris entre un tas de personnes à tenter vainement d’admirer un tableau du coin de l’oeil. On a tout l’espace nécessaire pour regarder les oeuvres à notre aise, et aller et venir entre les sections, ce qui est à mon avis un atout de taille.
Le restaurant offre de bons petits plats et en-​cas.
Le dernier atout (et non le moindre!) est la fameuse librairie du musée. Elle est bien garnie en livres de toutes sortes. La grande addict de livres d’art que je suis y trouve toujours son compte!
Je recommande à quiconque aime les arts d’y faire un tour!

Très beau musée à Ottawa. Pas le plus intéressant mais il vaut le coup d’être visité. A l’entrée, on peut y trouver une très grosse araignée… c’est assez bizarre, surtout que quand on passé sous l’araignée on peut y voir ses oeufs (oeuvre de l’artiste Louise Bourgeois).
Ensuite passée l’araignée, il y a la superbe architecture du musée ! la devanture est en verre et laisse passer la lumière de manière vraiment magnifique. pour accéder au début de l’exposition, on passé par une pente qui longe cette devanture et c’est vraiment superbe.
En ce qui concerne les oeuvres… il y en a vraiment beaucoup ! Je crois que j’ai passé au moins 2h si ce n’est plus pour voir l’ensemble des oeuvres. L’exposition regroupe tout les genres, on passé de l’art primitif, à l’art contemporain, tout en passant par des tableaux plus classiques.
Bön on se rend compte qu’on est pas dans un musée européen, j’ai trouvé les oeuvres présentes moins impressionnantes que celles que j’ai pu voir dans des musées français. Il y a quelques oeuvres européennes, mais surtout des oeuvres américaines. Par contre j’ai beaucoup aimé leur collection sur l’art contemporain. Aussi quand j’y étais allé il y avait une exposition temporaire sur la photographie européenne au 18e siècle qui était assez intéressante.
Bilan de ma visite: une longue visite à travers les différents courants artistiques et un mal de pied qui se faisait sentir ^^

Eines der führenden Kunstmuseen Kanadas mit großer Spinne vor dem Eingang. Wenn man Zeit hat und kunstinteressiert ist sollte man hier auf jeden Fall vorbeischauen! Das Museum verfügt über eine umfangreiche Sammlung von Gemälden, Zeichnungen, Skulpturen und Fotografien. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf kanadischer Kunst, darunter Werke von Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, Alex Colville sowie Mitgliedern der Group of Seven. Daneben sind aber auch viele bekannte europäische Künstler vertreten. Bemerkenswert ist die Sammlung zeitgenössischer Kunstwerke, die u.a. einige der bekanntesten Arbeiten von Andy Warhol enthält.