Artissimo

Because of the need for physical distancing, many programs have had to be suspended. Please check out our reopening FAQ page often for the latest info.

Come explore art – then play, draw, paint and create!

Families are invited to experience the National Gallery, play art games, make their own artworks and share art with other kids across Canada and around the world. Artissimo activities are for children aged 3 and older accompanied by an adult.

When

From 10 am to 4 pm
Weekends and holidays
Offered daily during March Break in Quebec (March 2 to 6) and Ontario (March 16 to 20).

Location

Artissimo Kiosk
Fred and Elizabeth Fountain Garden Court

Cost

Free with Gallery admission
Free for members

Who

Children aged 3+, accompanied by an adult

Things to Do

Have fun with loads of activities for children, parents and caregivers.

Art Buddies

Discover art with an Art Buddy

Each Art Buddy is a replica of a figure in a painting. Find the painting that features your Art Buddy and learn more about the work.

Art Cubed

Build an artwork from the ground up

Rotate and stack 12 jumbo cubes to re-create 6 different artworks from the national collection. Then find the original artworks in the Canadian and Indigenous Galleries.

Super Structures

Explore architecture

Make your own imaginary buildings with our colossal assortment of wooden blocks.

Feely Boxes

Challenge your sense of touch

Identify the objects and textures in the feely box, and find the artwork by matching what you feel with what you see.

Who Am I?

Step into an artwork

Our costumes are stunning reproductions of the clothing people wear in our artworks. Try one on – then find the matching artwork and imagine how that person lived.

Art Making

Get creative!

Make art with your family in an inspiring setting using special art-making material. Friendly staff is on hand to help you get creative.