National Gallery of Canada at the Venice Biennale

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The Canadian Pavillion

Although Canada has participated in the Biennale since 1952, artists representing Canada began to show their work in the permanent Canada Pavilion only in 1958, when it was inaugurated for the 29th Biennale. Echoing the spiral of a nautilus shell, the glass and wood pavilion was designed by the Milanese architecture firm BBPR and built under the auspices of the National Gallery of Canada with support from the Government of Canada.

From 1952 to 1986, Canadian representation at the Biennale was organized by the National Gallery of Canada. From 1988 until 2009, primary responsibility was transferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, working in partnership with the National Gallery and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Today, the National Gallery of Canada, with the support of the Canada Council and private philanthropists across Canada and beyond, is once again providing leadership. The National Gallery is dedicated to ensuring the continuation of a Canadian presence at the Venice Biennale.

About The National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada is home to the most important collections of historical and contemporary Canadian art, including the extensive collection of the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography.

The Gallery also maintains Canada’s premier collection of European art from the 14th to the 21st century, as well as important works of American, Asian and Indigenous art and renowned international collections of prints, drawings and photographs.

Created in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada has played a key role in Canadian culture for well over a century. One of its principal missions is to increase access to excellent works of art for all Canadians. To this end, the National Gallery maintains the largest touring art exhibition program in the world. For more information visit: www.gallery.ca