National Gallery of Canada Reviews

Artissimo for Children is a great feature of the gallery. The kids get to try drawing or can dress up as a figure in a painting and then go find the painting. It was great to see my granddaughter dressed up in 18th century clothes trying to find a painting. The photos of her and the painting are priceless.

Wonderful collection, beautiful space. I recommend getting the audio guide if you are not an art connossieur.

Beautiful gallery with world famous artists on exhibit

Superb museum. Vast permanent exhibition. The temporary exhibition on the Impressionists is very good. The restaurants are ok.

The inside is wonderful and it is worth strolling outside at the back to see the statue of Jacques Cartier on the point and other beautiful sculptures.

Vast place with some of the best art you could ever imagine! Some are humerous, others will make you think deep inside of your soul. The only downside is that you must wait a long time in order for both a new artist to be featured and for the artist you want (this one will have you waiting a long time!). Overall great staff, very clean...price gift shop (as expected). No real complaints, only "wants" hehe

It's beautiful! The exhibitions are huge and have extraordinary artwork in them.

Great variety of exposes. You can truly see anything here; photographs, archives, modern art, sculptures, etc. You can even listen to some cassettes. Sometimes, they even have special events like performers dancing. The atmosphere is generally quiet which is nice.

Definitely worth admission cost. I'd love to see the photography section expanded.

If you enjoy art and its history. This is the place. The architecture inside is amazing. Thursdays are free after 5pm

Some exhibits are really cool, loved the aboriginal historical stuff. Also cool to see Ogasawara-san's work in the temporary exhibit section as I met her previously at a CarletonU event. The only disappointing part is the number of "this is a square" paintings. It's funny after the first one, but do we really need like 5 rooms dedicated to it?

The guided tours are absolutely wonderful and really help add to the experience

Excellent shop and coffee bar add to the pleasures of this outstanding art gallery.

Security staff are a bit rude but they have been since I started going in 1988. Ticket people are great. Beautiful building and pieces proud it's in Canada

To stand among the original Group of Seven's work as well as Emily Carr and other brave visionary artists was the best feeling in the world.

Great place to experience various types of art - classical/modern paintings, sculptures, historical artifacts, and other interesting exhibits; and you don't have to be an 'art afficianado to enjoy it.

An interesting journey through the history of the plastic arts in Canada, with special samples of its best authors from each period. Interesting items from iconic classic, modern and contemporary authors are also included.

At this moment the "Biennial" is active ... essential space.

Beautiful building with beautiful art. The first stop should be their cafeteria. The food was delicious! The best butterscotch pudding I have ever tasted. The salad bar was light fair, heavy on great flavours. It was a great way to start the tour.

Wonderful museum overlooking the Ottawa River featuring an eclectic mix of historical and contemporary art. Exhibits range from permanent art collections to rotating exhibits so there's something for everyone. The museum architecture in itself is also particularly intriguing with voluminous and spacious corridors, ramps, and stairs. Am enjoyable visit on a lazy weekend afternoon!

Interesting and well-kept museum in the capital of Canada Ottawa.
Very modern structure covered by many glasses from which the buildings of the parliament are visible.
In addition to admiring a large collection of works by Canadian artists outside the entrance, we met a giant spider.
Are we kidding you?
No, it's all true!
Fortunately, the Spider is not a monster but a bronze statue maybe a little creepy but absolutely spectacular for its size.
To be seen!

Excellent collections and a building that is worth exploring with time.

Phenomenal art on display, highly recommended and really is a must see. The staff are professional and kind. Thanks!!

Always a day well spent. The children's section of this museum is must, it will keep the little ones busy for a while. :)

Love coming back here for special exhibits and revisiting some of the permanent displays.

I was totally amazed! I have no words to describe how incredible this place is, I really love it, it is worth going to see it and experience the art for your own eyes!

Wonderful visit to the Gallery! Many unique and contemporary exhibits. We enjoyed our breakfast at the small cafe. Well priced for the area and pleasant ambience. We will be back soon!

Beautiful architecture, exhibitions a little less compared to the size of the museum I expected more works and sculptures ...

Be prepared to spend 3 hours or more to get comfortable with the wide scope and breadth of art encompassing all eras of historical periods involving religion and culture, as well as many genres of modern art, and of course, our defining collection of Canadian and aboriginal masterpieces.

One of Canada's most important art galleries is located in the center of Ottawa, on the southeast bank of the Ottawa River. Founded in 1988, although only twenty years old, China and Canada have played an important role in the history of national art. The museum has three floors, displaying Canadian art, history, Asian, European and contemporary art. The museum has its own collection and various exhibitions. In addition, it also holds various social events such as concerts, exhibitions, and corporate annual meetings. It is a very comprehensive art and social venue.
The museum also has a bookstore, restaurant and coffee bar, especially the coffee bar facing the Ottawa River, where you can rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The museum is open all year round except for Christmas, New Year and some special holidays.

I spend a lot of time at this beautiful gallery. It's fantastic and definitely a must see!

Top of the line. We were approached bye but seemed like a volunteer who spent 10 minutes or more with us explaining the history of a particular artist whose paintings were being exhibited. Unexpected and enjoyable. Very well maintained and arranged gallery. We also enjoyed the gift shop.

It was inspiring. The Canadian and First Nations art displays were so well done. It make me proud to be Canadian. The Japanese photographs of the aftermath of Hiroshima will make you cry.

Great selection of International Art and Contemporary Art. The place is a very interesting architectural piece.

Always interesting exhibitions and usually a nice selection of pieces from the permanent collection. One gripe: they leave permanent collection pieces up too long. It would be nice to see them switch the pieces out more often. They so not do many themed showings of pieces from the collection.

Took 2 months to get a yearly pass.. Had to make arrangements to pick up

Rather empty for such a massive art gallery, architecture is stunning, location is very peaceful and quiet but then again Ottawa is a pretty quiet city

A huge museum with many things to see... It is free on Thursdays from 5pm till 8pm. I love the peaceful church where 40 recorderd opera singers sing all day long through speakers. The church which existed in Ottawa was transported to this museum for preservation from demolition. There is a huge collection on paintings a well. I visited this place 2 times so far but I wasn't able to cover it....

The National Gallery did not disappoint. All the exhibits are fantastic, and the interior architecture is stunning. Highly recommended. A must-see.

I just spend 5 hours in a car to drive from Toronto, got a ticket 1,5 hours before closing, got instructions on how to get upstairs, just to hear from some RUDE GRUMPY OLD MAN that I'm quote "A potential thread to their art!" because I'm wearing a BACKPACK!!!

Interesting combination of artists, loved the indigenous and Canadian exhibit. Good balance of interactive areas, and a plethora of Canadian history through art. Loved every moment!

Gorgeous Art Gallery / Museum on the shoreline of the Ottawa River. Extensive collection of art inside, including vast assortment of Canadian works. Building itself is stunning, a lot of natural light comes through the skylights & central atriums. Self guided tours available as well as docent-led tours. Located very close to downtown area & Quebec border with lots of parking. Free admission on Thursday evenings 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Had our Christmas Party here, such a awesome venue!!!

The place is wonderful, if you like art they have many very beautiful pieces, you need all day to enjoy.

It is definitely one of my favorite museums, and Thursdays are free. I recommend it

Amazing place, full of unexpected gems. See the Group of Seven - Tom Thomson gallery.

Always an amazing place to hang out with the family and enjoy the Art!!

Instructors are really good and caring about our needs

The building's architecture is outstanding located in a central scenic view. Nice collection. Too bad there isnt a place to have coffee but the gift shop is quite good. It has parking.

Beautiful museum with an extraordinary but poorly organized exhibition

I liked it. It's easy to get lost and miss things. Would recommend multiple visits or 3-4 hours to browse the entire gallery.

Very friendly staff, very professional and helpful. I shopped online. The products are great and the service is excellent! Very appreciated.

So many pieces of art and document can be found here. Exposition of Nietzsche to Van Gogh.

Always have some interesting exhibition going on. Core collection pretty extensive too, it took me two visits to skim through all they have.

Great museum. Amazing building, great selection of all kinds of art. Fantastically well curated rotating special exhibits are also I must. If your trip to the museum is on the budget I recommend going on the day that it is free. well air-conditioned great for hot summer days free Wi-Fi there's also a place to eat with fantastic views as well as a cafe. Have audio guided toursyou can pay for it but the last special exhibit I went to hide an app you can download for free with a guided tour through your phone.

Fantastic museum, we'll presented with great audio accompaniment. Could spend hours in here. Good place to grab lunch while there.

Free admission on Thursday night. New exhibits every time I visit Ottawa

Awesome experience. Definitely worth a visit if you re in town. It s close by other attraction and I d definitely recommend adding it to the places you visit. The tickets aren t expensive and you could get discounts if you check the eligibility criteria.

It is definitely a must visit! Something for everyone and gift shop has beautiful stuff weather you like books about art or photography, gorgeous jewelry and just funny gifts.

One of the crown jewels of Canada. I have been to national museums all over the world and this is a nice one. Tons of work from Canadian talent with a mixture of international flavor. Love the layout and spacing. Always good to put on your favorite tunes on your headphones and check the place out. Loose yourself in the spaces. Was a great time and would encourage anyone to attend this place.

Wonderful gallery
Be sure to find the chapel in the basement got s classical music surprise. It is wonderful.
Group of Seven collection excellent

To see so many great historical artists was humbling and breathtaking.

Provocative exhibits very well curated in a superb location.

Super nice place to contemplate the arts whether past or contemporary. This museum is an art in itself, its glass buildings gives it an artistic image.

The gallery was fantastic, though my 10 and Six year old got bored after a while. I wasn't able to see the whole gallery but I will definitely be visiting again. The sculptures, art and displays were magnificent. A must visit if you are Ottawa and don't miss the church across the street. One will get to see it for free.

A very recommendable museum, is nice, great exhibitions.

They have a few iconic pieces, but overall the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto is better, in terms of Canadian art, Group of Seven collection, building design, etc.