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National Gallery of Canada

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Landmark
—°17
National Gallery of Canada (Canada)

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The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa is one of North America's premier art museums and a major architectural landmark of the Canadian capital. Opened in 1988, the building was designed by celebrated architect Moshe Safdie and is characterized by its dramatic glass and pink granite structures. A highlight of the design is the Great Hall, which provides panoramic views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. The gallery houses the world's most extensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, alongside significant European and American masterpieces. Standing at the main entrance is the massive 'Maman' spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, which has become an iconic symbol of the institution. The gallery plays a vital role in preserving Canada's cultural heritage and serves as a center for world-class exhibitions and scholarly research. Its architecture seamlessly blends modern transparency with the monumental character of the surrounding parliamentary district.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-11-10-45131821201681-7
Rain mm6155658585104988887997380

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The National Gallery of Canada is a museum with an extensive art collection open to the public. Admission is ticketed, but the courtyard and café are often free to enter.
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Typical hours
The gallery typically opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., with late hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. It is usually closed on Mondays.
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Photography
Photography without flash is usually allowed in the permanent collections. In special exhibitions, restrictions may apply-look for signage.
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Time needed
Allow about two hours for a quick overview. Art enthusiasts can easily spend half a day or more.
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Combine with
Combine the museum visit with Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, both within walking distance. Byward Market is also a short stroll away.
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Getting there
The National Gallery is on Sussex Drive in Ottawa, opposite the U.S. Embassy. Reach it by OC Transpo bus (Rideau stop) or on foot from Parliament Hill.
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Insider tip
Open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays - great for a quiet evening visit. The view from the Great Hall towards Parliament Hill is impressive.

Geography

Coordinates
45.42950, -75.69890

Facts

  • The gallery was originally established in 1880.
  • The current permanent home was officially opened on May 21, 1988.
  • The collection includes more than 93,000 works of art from various eras.
  • The 'Maman' spider sculpture outside the entrance stands over 9 metres tall.
  • The museum houses the reconstructed 19th-century Rideau Street Convent Chapel.
  • The gallery welcomes approximately 400,000 visitors every year.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Peace Tower (Ottawa)Peace Tower (Ottawa)<1 km · SWExplore →
GatineauGatineau6 km · SExplore →
Brockville Railway TunnelBrockville Railway Tunnel23 km · WExplore →
Thousand IslandsThousand Islands45 km · SWExplore →
Gananoque (Thousand Islands)Gananoque (Thousand Islands)60 km · SWExplore →
Parc OmegaParc Omega82 km · NExplore →
MontebelloMontebello85 km · NExplore →
Fort Henry (Kingston)Fort Henry (Kingston)90 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Gallery of Canada (17)

Rideau Hall🏰 castle

Rideau Hall is a castle in the national-gallery-of-canada-landmarks-v2 area, serving as the official residence of the Governor General of Canada.

♿

Canadian Museum of History🏛 museum

Canadian Museum of History is a museum in the national-gallery-of-canada-landmarks-v2 area, Canada's national museum of human history.

♿🆓

National Gallery of Canada🏛 museum

National Gallery of Canada is a gallery in the national-gallery-of-canada-landmarks-v2 area, housing a vast collection of Canadian and international art.

🕒 May-Sep: Fr-We 09:30-18:00; May-Sep: Th 09:30-20:00; Oct-Apr♿💶

Canada Aviation and Space Museum🏛 museum

Canada Aviation and Space Museum is a museum in the national-gallery-of-canada-landmarks-v2 area with a large collection of aircraft and space artifacts.

🕒 Th-Mo 09:00-17:00♿

Rideau Cottage🏺 historical

Rideau Cottage is a manor in the national-gallery-of-canada-landmarks-v2 area, used as the temporary residence of the Prime Minister of Canada.

Stornoway🏺 historical

Stornoway is a manor in the national-gallery-of-canada-landmarks-v2 area, the official residence of the Leader of the Official Opposition.

Lornado🏺 historical

Lornado is a manor in the national-gallery-of-canada-landmarks-v2 area, a historic house.

Ottawa French Seventh-day Adventist Church⛪ religious

French-language Seventh-day Adventist church in Gallery Of Canada.

Macdonald-Cartier Bridge📍 landmark

The Macdonald-Cartier Bridge is an interprovincial bridge connecting Ottawa, Ontario to Gatineau, Quebec, named after two Fathers of Confederation.

Kìwekì Point🌳 park

Kìwekì Point is a park in Ottawa offering scenic views of the Ottawa River and the Parliament Buildings.

Major's Hill Park🌳 park

Major's Hill Park is a historic urban park in Ottawa, located near Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.

Cummings Bridge📍 landmark

Cummings Bridge is a bridge spanning the Rideau River in Ottawa, connecting neighbourhoods.

Porter Island Bridge📍 landmark

Bridge to Porter Island in the Gallery of Canada district.

Cathedral of Saint Joseph⛪ religious

The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Ottawa, serving as the seat of the archdiocese.

Ottawa Little Theatre🎭 culture

Community theatre in the Gallery of Canada district of Ottawa.

Parc de L'Hôpital🌳 park

Park adjacent to a hospital in the Gallery of Canada district.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the spider in front of the museum represent?
The sculpture 'Maman' by Louise Bourgeois is a tribute to her mother.
Where is the National Gallery located?
It is located in Ottawa, directly across from Parliament Hill.
Is there free admission?
On Thursday evenings, admission to the permanent collection is often free.
What kind of art is shown there?
It houses a significant collection of Canadian and Indigenous art.
Is the building wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entire museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
National Gallery of Canada: where is it located?
National Gallery of Canada is located in Canada.
National Gallery of Canada: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rideau Hall, Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada.
National Gallery of Canada: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
National Gallery of Canada: why is it worth visiting?
The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa is one of North America's premier art museums and a major architectural landmark of the Canadian capital.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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History & landmarks

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