Founded in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada is one of the first museums to be established in the country. The magnificent building, which is now mainly made of granite and glass, offers a great view over the Parliament and Parliament Hill. It is a must-see cultural site in Ottawa.
From paintings and sculptures to photographs and multimedia installations, the National Gallery of Canada is filled with incredible contemporary and historical art. It is full of surprises for the visitors.
For instance, you must walk under “Maman”, the 30-foot-tall (9 metres) sculpture of a giant spider by Louise Bourgeois.
Once inside, you'll also be captivated by the 40,000 works of art by some 6,000 artists on display. Discover the history of art in Canada, from the Aboriginal peoples to today. Ancient Aboriginal artifacts, religious works from New France, Group of Seven paintings, and modern Inuit sculptures, as well as works from around the world.
More surprises await you! Enter the reconstructed and decorated Rideau Street Chapel, where a recorded 40-voice choir magically surrounds you, relax in the beautiful garden courtyard, and discover Roxy Paine's imposing contemporary sculpture One Hundred Foot Line. There is so much to see in this museum that you won't know where to turn!