must-visit in OttawaSightseeing

National Gallery of Canada

📍 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, Canada

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4.5/ 5.0

★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Canada, Ottawa
Category: Sightseeing
Duration: 2-3 hours
Opening Hours: Monday Closed · Tuesday 9:30-17:00 · Wednesday 9:30-17:00 · Thursday 9:30-20:00 · Friday 9:30-17:00 · Saturday 9:30-17:00 · Sunday 9:30-17:00 · The current schedule runs until May 2, 2027; from May 3 to October 17, 2027 the Gallery is open Monday to Sunday 9:30-17:00 (Thursdays until 20:00). Holiday changes: Dec 24 9:30-14:00, Dec 25 closed, Dec 21/26/28 9:30-17:00; Nov 11 Remembrance Day 12:00-17:00 with free admission; Jan 1, 2027 12:00-17:00 and Jan 18-22, 2027 closed for annual maintenance; July 1, 2027 Canada Day 9:30-20:00 with free admission.
Ticket Price: Adult: CAD 22 · Senior: CAD 20 (65 plus; proof of age or photo ID may be required) · Admission includes all exhibitions and galleries; prices exclude tax. Buying online gives CAD 3 off each ticket. The Boutique keeps the same hours as the Gallery.
Address: 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, Canada
Coordinates: 45.4295, -75.6970

Introduction

The National Gallery of Canada is one of the country's most important art institutions, standing by the Ottawa River. The building itself is a masterpiece—a glass-and-steel hall designed by architect Moshe Safdie, bright and translucent, echoing Parliament Hill across the river. In front of the gallery stands the giant bronze spider sculpture "Maman" by artist Louise Bourgeois, about nine meters tall, the most striking landmark and photo spot. Inside is a rich collection ranging from Indigenous art and Canadian masters (such as the Group of Seven) to European old masters and contemporary art, clearly presented. The grand translucent building, the iconic giant spider and the substantial collection make this the heart of Ottawa's cultural journey.

✨ Highlights

Giant spider sculpture

The ~9 m bronze spider 'Maman' at the entrance is the most striking photo landmark.

Safdie glass building

A bright, translucent glass-and-steel hall echoes Parliament Hill across the river.

Canadian masters

Treasures of Canadian masters like the 'Group of Seven' and Indigenous art.

European masters

From European old masters to contemporary art, a rich collection.

🛈 Practical Info

→Route：Rich collection; start with highlights like Canadian masters.

→Photos：Some exhibits restrict photography; follow the rules.

→Transportation：Walk from downtown (by ByWard Market)

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	9:30-17:00
Wednesday	9:30-17:00
Thursday	9:30-20:00
Friday	9:30-17:00
Saturday	9:30-17:00
Sunday	9:30-17:00

The current schedule runs until May 2, 2027; from May 3 to October 17, 2027 the Gallery is open Monday to Sunday 9:30-17:00 (Thursdays until 20:00). Holiday changes: Dec 24 9:30-14:00, Dec 25 closed, Dec 21/26/28 9:30-17:00; Nov 11 Remembrance Day 12:00-17:00 with free admission; Jan 1, 2027 12:00-17:00 and Jan 18-22, 2027 closed for annual maintenance; July 1, 2027 Canada Day 9:30-20:00 with free admission.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	CAD 22
Senior	CAD 20 (65 plus; proof of age or photo ID may be required)
Student	CAD 15 (young adults 18-30); CAD 12 (youths 12-17)
Free Admission	Children 11 and under free; Members free; free for everyone on Thursdays from 17:00 to 20:00 (free ticket required); Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Metis) free; attendants accompanying a person with a disability free

Admission includes all exhibitions and galleries; prices exclude tax. Buying online gives CAD 3 off each ticket. The Boutique keeps the same hours as the Gallery.

💡 Tips

• The giant spider sculpture 'Maman' at the entrance is a must-photo landmark.

• The Canadian landscape masterpieces of the 'Group of Seven' are worth a close look.

• The translucent glass hall overlooks Parliament Hill across the river.

• Opening, closing days and ticket prices follow the gallery official notice.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of National Gallery of Canada?

Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 9:30-17:00; Wednesday: 9:30-17:00; Thursday: 9:30-20:00; Friday: 9:30-17:00; Saturday: 9:30-17:00; Sunday: 9:30-17:00; The current schedule runs until May 2, 2027; from May 3 to October 17, 2027 the Gallery is open Monday to Sunday 9:30-17:00 (Thursdays until 20:00). Holiday changes: Dec 24 9:30-14:00, Dec 25 closed, Dec 21/26/28 9:30-17:00; Nov 11 Remembrance Day 12:00-17:00 with free admission; Jan 1, 2027 12:00-17:00 and Jan 18-22, 2027 closed for annual maintenance; July 1, 2027 Canada Day 9:30-20:00 with free admission.

How much is the admission for National Gallery of Canada?

Adult: CAD 22; Senior: CAD 20 (65 plus; proof of age or photo ID may be required); Student: CAD 15 (young adults 18-30); CAD 12 (youths 12-17); Free Admission: Children 11 and under free; Members free; free for everyone on Thursdays from 17:00 to 20:00 (free ticket required); Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Metis) free; attendants accompanying a person with a disability free; Admission includes all exhibitions and galleries; prices exclude tax. Buying online gives CAD 3 off each ticket. The Boutique keeps the same hours as the Gallery.

Any practical tips for visiting National Gallery of Canada?

The giant spider sculpture 'Maman' at the entrance is a must-photo landmark. The Canadian landscape masterpieces of the 'Group of Seven' are worth a close look.