About
The National Gallery of Canada stands at 380 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Ontario, and is a spacious museum with a clear focus on Canadian art. Visitors come for the country's painting, sculpture and other works, and they also find a collection of artworks from around the world.
What to expect
- Canadian art is the heart of the museum, giving a broad view of the country's artistic traditions.
- International works sit alongside the Canadian collection, so the visit can range well beyond national borders.
- Room to move is one of its qualities. The building is spacious, which suits an unhurried visit.
Eating and resting
The museum has two cafes, useful for a break between galleries. A seasonal lounge is also open, so a stop there can be part of the day rather than a rushed pause.
Planning your visit
Because the gallery is large, it helps to decide in advance which parts you most want to see, whether that is the Canadian collection, the international works, or both. Allow enough time to take in the spaces at a comfortable pace, and set aside a little more if you plan to linger over a meal or a coffee.
Ottawa's downtown and its riverside surroundings make the gallery easy to combine with other stops in the city, so it can anchor a half day or a full one.