Highlights of the National Gallery of Canada
The National Gallery of Canada is one of Canada’s leading art museums. Its modern building combines glass and stone, and the plaza in front offers views of both the exterior and outdoor artworks.
It is close to Notre-Dame Cathedral and can be visited while walking through the surrounding historic area.
Canadian Art and Contemporary Art
Inside, you can trace the development of Canadian art. The exhibitions extend beyond painting to include sculpture, photography, and Indigenous art.
Works by international contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol and Barnett Newman are also on display. In the same building, you can see a wide range of artistic expression, from works rooted in Canadian history and culture to contemporary art.
Maman
The giant spider sculpture in front of the building is Maman by Louise Bourgeois. Its long legs and the eggs it carries in its abdomen are striking. From the plaza in front, you can view both the work and the museum building together.
The same work is also installed at Roppongi Hills in Tokyo.
Essential Information About the National Gallery of Canada
The information below was checked against official sources on October 17, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- The latest information on exhibitions, opening hours, and admission fees is available on the official website.
National Gallery of CanadaThe National Gallery of Canada is home to one of the finest collections of Indigenous and Canadian art in the world...www.gallery.ca
- 📍 Address
- 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9N4, Canada
- 🕒 Opening hours
-
- Regular days:9:30–17:00
- Thursday:9:30–20:00
⚠️ Opening hours and accessible galleries may change due to exhibition rotations, special events, or public holidays.
- 🚫 Closed
- Monday
- 💶 Admission
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- General:paid admission
- Youth:ages 12–17: 12 CAD; ages 18–30: 15 CAD
- Children:free, subject to age requirements
- Special exhibitions:currently included with regular admission; access to all exhibitions and galleries
⚠️ Fees vary by age group; check the latest prices on the official website before purchasing.
- ⏱️ Suggested visit duration
- Allow around 1–2 hours for the permanent collection, or 2–3 hours if including special exhibitions and outdoor works. ⚠️ The time required varies depending on crowd levels, exhibition rotations, the number of works viewed, and waiting times at entry.
Getting to the National Gallery of Canada
From Rideau Station in downtown Ottawa, exit the station toward Sussex Drive and walk north, using Notre-Dame Cathedral as a landmark. Continue along Sussex Drive to reach the plaza in front of the gallery, where you can enter through the main entrance with a view of the outdoor sculpture “Maman.” From the Parliament Hill area, the gallery is accessible on foot or by city bus and is easy to combine with other downtown attractions.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Ottawa: Attractions, Food, Transportation and Suggested Itinerary”.
