Our Masterpieces, Our Stories
Our Masterpieces, Our Stories features close to 1,000 works of art – all under one roof.
Works of art can stimulate, astound and transform us. In 2017, let yourself be inspired by the Canadian and Indigenous art on view in Our Masterpieces, Our Stories. Retelling the stories of art in Canada, this unique presentation takes visitors on a remarkable journey via the legends, themes and worlds that give life to our masterpieces.
At the heart of this extraordinary experience are the new Canadian and Indigenous Galleries. This completely reinvented exhibition space offers an unprecedented panorama of the art of our country in all its forms, from time immemorial to 1967, and up to the present-day in the Contemporary Galleries.
But that’s not all. Throughout 2017, visitors can also see special exhibitions on contemporary art and photography, take part in activities for art lovers of all ages, and marvel at the creativity of Canada’s Canadian and Indigenous artists.
With so much to see and do, you must be here to help us tell #OurStories2017!
Experience one of the most impressive collections of art in the country — only at the National Gallery of Canada.
Date
On View
Tom Thomson, Sunset Sky, 1915, oil on grey wood pulp board, 21.6 x 26.7 cm. National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. Photo: NGC
Canadian and Indigenous Art: From Time Immemorial to 1967
New! Canadian and
Indigenous Galleries
A100 to A114
Opening
June 15, 2017
In these transformed galleries, the remarkable stories that have shaped our land are told through art. Beginning with art from 5,000 years ago, and ending with abstract painting in 1960s Canada, this presentation features masterpieces of Canadian and Indigenous art. See renowned works by artists such as Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, Norval Morrisseau and Daphne Odjig, as well as new acquisitions, including works by James Wilson Morrice and the stunning Naskapi Ceremonial Coat.
Also on view are thematic displays that explore the magnetic north, inhabited landscapes, Canadians abroad, and the emergence of Inuit art: a true testament to the rich and multifaceted Canadian experience.
Institutional Partners
Supported By
Canadian and Indigenous Art: 1968 to Present
Lower and Upper
Contemporary Galleries
B101 to B109 and B201 to B205
Opening May 3, 2017
Discover the many themes and movements that have shaped Canada’s visual arts landscape since 1968. Continuing the storylines from the new Canadian and Indigenous Galleries, this special exhibition invites visitors to experience more than 150 works in all media, including sculpture, painting, video art, installation, drawing and photography.
From the feminist art movement of the 1970s to present-day Inuit art, the richness of the national Canadian and Indigenous contemporary art collections is on full display. Highlights include Shary Boyle’s work on paper Untitled (the Porcelain Fantasy series), Joyce Wieland’s O Canada, and Brian Jungen’s impressive sculptures inspired by whale skeletons: Shapeshifter and Vienna.
Jin-me Yoon, Souvenirs of the Self (Lake Louise), 1991, printed 1996, chromogenic print laminated to Plexiglas, 192.7 × 232.8 cm. CMCP Collection, National Gallery of Canada. Purchased 1996
Photography
in Canada:
1960–2000
Canadian Photography
Institute Galleries
April 7 to
September 17, 2017
Experience the diversity of Canadian photographic practice and production from 1960 to 2000 in this new exhibition organized by the Canadian Photography Institute of the National Gallery of Canada. Bringing together more than 100 works by 71 artists — including Raymonde April, Edward Burtynsky, Lynne Cohen, Angela Grauerholz, Michael Snow, Jeff Wall and Jin-me Yoon — it explores how the medium articulated the role of art and the artist in an ever-changing world, along with differing ideas of identity, sexuality and community. Formulated around themes such as conceptual, documentary, urban landscape and portrait, this exhibition celebrates the enormous growth of the practice, collection and display of photography over more than four decades.
Sponsored By
A visit to the Gallery in 2017 won’t be complete without stopping by Our Stories. Engaging, interactive and fun, it’s a creative hub where visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the worlds and artworks on view in Our Masterpieces, Our Stories. Create an iPad landscape in the style of an inspiring artist. Step into The Woolsey Family painting by William Berczy. Watch a video about art-making, take a digital quiz, or try a hands-on workshop. Just don’t miss the Our Stories experience!
Supported By
The National Gallery of Canada Circle Members
The Distinguished Patrons of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation and the Canada 150 Patrons who contributed to the Art for the Nation 2017 initiative
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Plan your Visit
Located in the heart of Ottawa and within walking distance of Parliament Hill, the lively ByWard Market and other landmarks, the National Gallery of Canada is a must-see attraction.
Additional Resources
Find out more about upcoming Canada 2017 events in the National Capital Region by clicking on the links below.