The building was designed by KPMB Architects and Barry Padolsky Associates Inc. to seamlessly connect the modern gallery to the historic 1870s Carleton County Courthouse.
The Firestone Collection of Canadian Art, which forms the core of the OAG, includes over 1,600 works of art collected privately by O.J. and Isobel Firestone.
The OAG is part of a larger arts complex that includes the Arts Court Theatre and professional arts organization offices.
The gallery's design features a prominent 'floating' white box structure that projects over the street level.
It is a non-profit, civic-owned gallery that transitioned from its original downtown location to its expanded site in 2018.
The facility includes a specialized climate-controlled vault system to preserve the permanent collection.
The Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) serves as the primary visual arts institution in Ottawa, focusing on the historical and contemporary art of the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Housed in a striking modern expansion integrated with the historic Arts Court building, the facility spans multiple levels of galleries. The permanent collection centers on the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art, featuring significant works by the Group of Seven. It frequently hosts rotating exhibitions by local, national, and international artists. The architecture includes a notable cantilevered design that provides views of the city. The institution actively prioritizes works by Indigenous artists and those representing the diverse cultural landscape of the capital. It serves as a hub for community engagement through artist residencies and educational programming.
The dramatic glass-encased staircase and the exterior facade at the corner of the Mackenzie King Bridge.
Check the online schedule for free public tours that provide deeper context into the current rotating exhibitions.
Visit the gallery's terrace if available for a unique perspective on the surrounding downtown architecture.
Explore the Arts Court building connected to the gallery to see community-based creative projects.
Do not overlook the smaller, rotating gallery spaces on upper floors, as these often contain the most experimental contemporary work.
Closed on Mondays.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use without flash, but specific exhibitions may restrict it; maintain a respectful distance from artwork.
