On the weekend The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) opened its brand new $38.8 million facility which is located next to their former location in Arts Court. The massive new space is 55,000 square feet and 5 levels. Within the gallery, 6,5000 years of art-making in and around Ottawa will be displayed including the Firestone Collection which displays Canadian Art.
“The opening of the new Ottawa Art Gallery marks a significant moment in our city’s history and culture. The newly expanded facility will serve as Ottawa’s premier hub for our rich, vibrant and diverse Arts Community. Congratulations to our local arts leaders who worked tirelessly with the City to turn this 30-year-old dream into a reality. Through the collaboration between OAG, community partners and all three levels of government, Ottawa now has a new home for its most important works of arts; an exciting space to share these Canadians treasures with residents and visitors from around the world.’’ Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa
In addition to all the art within the OAG, there is a chic new cafe, an art shop, studio space, multi-purpose room, outdoor terraces, and space for the University of Ottawa theatre department. The building is a mixed-use residential complex that will have the new boutique Germain Hotel and Arthaus condominiums.
Throughout the year the OAG will host artist-led or community-led workshops, screenings, and exhibitions. For example, once a month they will be hosting a workshop on sketching techniques.
The OAG shop likewise features Canadian artists and makers, here you can purchase ceramics, books, stationery, jewelry, and items for children.
The new OAG is open from 9 am to 9 pm (and the cafe is open from 8 am to 11 pm). Visiting the OAG is always free and on Wednesdays, they offer free childcare (children are always welcomed to join to tour the gallery too).
I’m excited about the new OAG as it gives an approachable space that I believe will appeal to everyone. The free art gallery has an outdoor patio along with several spaces inside where you can bring your laptop and work within the gallery encouraging it to become a community space. In the future, I’m looking forward to taking some of the free workshops and attending events and having coffee at the new cafe which is absolutely gorgeous. I highly encourage you to visit the new OAG and browse the opening exposition firsthand.