The building's signature zinc and glass exterior is designed to mimic the winding North Saskatchewan River and the northern lights.
The gallery was originally founded in 1924 as the Edmonton Museum of Arts.
The structure features a 'floating' staircase that spans the entire height of the atrium.
The AGA’s collection includes significant works by Canadian artists such as Emily Carr, A.Y. Jackson, and members of the Group of Seven.
The gallery incorporates a specialized high-performance 'Borealis' lighting system in the atrium.
The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is an 85,000-square-foot facility situated in downtown Edmonton featuring a signature undulating steel and glass ribbon design by architect Randall Stout. The gallery maintains a permanent collection of over 6,000 objects, with a primary focus on Canadian art, contemporary works, and historical pieces from Western Canada. The building replaced a brutalist structure in 2010, significantly increasing exhibition space across three main levels. It functions as a centre for visual arts, regularly hosting temporary exhibitions from international institutions alongside regional showcases. The facility includes the Borealis Theatre, a shop, and a restaurant. It is positioned as the primary visual arts venue in Northern Alberta.
The wide, curving staircase in the main atrium, which captures the interplay of natural light through the glass roof.
Check the website for current temporary exhibitions before visiting, as these change seasonally.
Use the gallery's online collection database to identify specific pieces you wish to see before arriving.
Visit the shop on the main level for art books and curated items from local Edmonton makers.
Do not attempt to view all exhibitions in a single hour; the layout is extensive and requires focused time to appreciate the changing displays.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Large bags and backpacks must be checked at the coat check; photography for personal use is permitted without flash, but tripods are prohibited.
