Canada Guide
Ontario
National Gallery of Canada
Address: Sussex Drive
Opening time: May– Sept daily 10am–5pm, Thurs till 8pm; Oct– April Tues– Sun 10am–5pm, Thurs till 8pm
Price: $6, but free Thurs after 5pm
Website: www.national.gallery.ca
The National Gallery of Canada occupies a cleverly conceived building whose acres of glass, designed by Moshe Safdie, reflect the turrets and pinnacles of Parliament Hill. The collection was founded in 1880 by the Marquis of Lorne, then the governor general, who persuaded each member of the Royal Canadian Academy to donate a painting or two. Over the next century artworks were gathered from all over the world, resulting in a permanent collection that now numbers more than 25,000 pieces – too many to be exhibited at any one time. This means that the exhibits are rotated, so although the paintings mentioned below will probably be on display, there are no guarantees. The National Gallery also holds world-class temporary exhibitions for which an extra admission fee is usually charged. The collection spreads over two levels and free plans are issued at the reception desk; the gallery shop sells useful guides to both the permanent collection and the exhibitions.