Plan Your
Beautiful Escape
Art and Beyond
We have a wide range of activities for you to enjoy all season long. Take in new exhibitions, enjoy artist talks, make some art, take a tour, and so much more.
Mix and match the activities below to build your own perfect Gallery experience.
October
5
Stonecroft Foundation Visiting Artist Lecture: Jin-me Yoon — Revolving a Set of Relations
Saturday, October 5, 2024
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Auditorium, livestreamed on Zoom
October
18 -19
Cosmic Northside: Afrofuturistic Canadian Art Conference
Friday, October 18, 2024 —
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Water Court Foyer and Auditorium
October
24
Disruption! Celebrate the Centennial of Surrealism
Thursday, October 24, 2024
5:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. EDT
Scotiabank Great Hall and Auditorium
October
31
Limbo Time: Museums, Caribbean Temporality, and the Wounds of History
Oct 31, 2024
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT
Lecture Hall
Explore
Take In an
exhibition
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There are so many exciting exhibitions awaiting you this season! Don’t miss your chance to explore these captivating shows.
Get to know the artist behind
The Black Canadians (after Cooke)
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Installed on the Gallery’s south façade, Deanna Bowen’s The Black Canadians (after Cooke) expands the artist’s own family history into a broader examination of discrimination in North America over the centuries. Watch Becoming Deanna Bowen to learn more about the artist and this monumental work, then stop by the Gallery to see it in person.
Find a New
Favourite
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Wander the galleries and see what catches your eye in the Indigenous and Canadian, Contemporary, and European and American collections, along with our special exhibitions. Gallery highlights are a great place to start!
Fill Up Your
Social Calendar
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There’s an exciting lineup of events at the Gallery this season, including exhibition openings, artist talks and more. Be sure to visit this page often – we’re always adding new events and experiences to the calendar!
Unwind
Discover The Collection
on A Public Guided Tour
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Join a public guided tour for a relaxed and informative visit. During these 45-minute tours, our friendly interpreters will guide you on a leisurely exploration of the building’s iconic architecture and must-see works of art. Tours are held on weekends and holidays.
Read the stories
behind the art
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Escape into the world of art with the NGC Magazine. Whether you’re browsing onsite at the Gallery or in the comfort of your own home, take a moment to read the stories behind the art, artists and exhibitions at the National Gallery of Canada.
Step into
secret spaces
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Did you know that the Gallery is home to a beautifully restored historical chapel? Or that you can relax in a landscaped courtyard with live plants thriving under a glass roof? Wander through the Gallery to explore these beautiful spaces.
Savour the moment
with food and drink
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Take in the iconic Ottawa landscape from one of our stunning dining locations. Stop by the Cafeteria for food and views of Parliament Hill, or grab a hot beverage at Happy Goat Coffee before strolling the grounds.
Inspire
Let your
creativity flow
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Head over to Open Studio and let artwork inspire you to dig in and have fun connecting, cooperating and creating. Our friendly bilingual interpreters will be on hand to support you. A buffet of materials awaits!
Have fun on
Free Thursday Nights
presented by BMO
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Visit the Gallery on Free Thursday Nights from 5 to 8 p.m. to experience art, music and creativity! Bring your loved ones, purchase seasonal snacks and refreshments in the Scotiabank Great Hall, and enjoy the sounds of a local DJ. Participate in art-making activities, and don’t miss our popular 3 to See tours.
Presented by
Learn and Create in
the Inspiration Space
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Open every day during the run of Radical Stitch, the Inspiration Space features self-directed beading-themed activities for visitors of all ages.
Learn about iconic
works from leading
women authors
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Listen to Inspired Words: Spotlight on Women Authors and Artists to hear leading authors speak about key works of art in the Gallery’s collection, including Mary Pratt’s Red Currant Jelly, Georgia O’Keeffe’s Lake George with Crows, and Louise Bourgeois’ Maman.