The National Gallery of Art
Actually, we wanted to see the paintings of the Group of Seven in the National Gallery of Art in Ottawa. Of course we did, but we didn't expect that the architecture of the art museum would impress us any more. The architecture of Moshe Safdie turns the National Gallery into a work of architecture that amazes. From the outside, with its glass structure, it is somewhat reminiscent of the buildings in the government district: the Parliament or the Mint. This is entirely intentional, as a connection to the National Gallery of Art should be established in this way.
The architecture of Moshe Safdie
Inside, however, the ramp that leads to the Great Hall under the glass structure reminds me more of a cathedral from the Gothic period with its columns that irresistibly lead the view upwards. The glass fronts of the building do the rest to give this part of the building a bright ambience. Despite modern building materials such as concrete and glass, the entrance to the Great Hall looks like a cathedral.
Standing under the glass structure of the Great Hall, the awnings covering the glass panels provide shade. When the sun is shining outside, they appear like a flower opening with its leaves above the viewer. The windows overlook the Houses of Parliament, the Ottawa River and the hills of Gatineau. Opposite the entrance there are also only steps to the Byward Market.
Packing tips for a city trip to Ottawa Ontario
- Comfortable shoes, because you will be walking a lot in Ottawa.
- A City backpack, in which you can store everything for a day trip through the city.
- I also always use it for fine dining in one of the city's restaurants Pumps mit.
- A rain jacket not only protects against rain, but also against wind and cool temperatures.
- Ottawa City Maps * for orientation. You can find more Ottawa tips from us in Travel Guide Canada East of Ivanovsky *, which Monika wrote as a co-author.
During our tour of the National Gallery of Art, we repeatedly come across interiors in which the visitor finds bright resting places. For example, he can use them to review the masterpieces of art in his mind. In the Water Court, a pond invites you to relax. The Garden Court is planted with red flowers. The species of plants in this part of the museum varies with the seasons, we learn. Finally, in a third room there is an art installation by an artist from British Columbia, whose sculptures are reminiscent of the fate of the Native American tribes.
The Rideau Street Chapel at the National Gallery of Art
The architecture of the Rideau Street Chapel from the Gothic Revival looks completely different. This was completely removed and rebuilt in the original in the National Gallery of Art. The ends of the columns that adorn the ceiling of the chapel look like palm leaves. Elements of Art Nouveau architecture give this room its character.
The sanctuary with its decorative wall made of gold and wood is also worth seeing. The Rideau Chapel was once located in the Convent of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. This is a girls school run by nuns. The chapel is the only known 19th-century chapel to have an interior with a neo-Gothic fan-shaped roof supported by iron columns. In 1972 this jewel of Canadian architecture was saved from demolition and finally reconstructed in the National Gallery of Art from 1984 to 1988. It is also one of only two architectural exhibits in all of North America.
The National Gallery of Art in Ottawa is more than an art museum
We quickly realized that the National Gallery in Ottawa is more than an art museum. The building's architecture makes it a must-see attraction in its own right when visiting Ottawa. This forms a setting for the masterpieces of Canadian painters and artists from all over the world.
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON, Canada
K1N 9N4
613-990-1985
info@gallery.ca
National Gallery Questions and Answers
Is the National Gallery free?
The National Gallery offers free entry for the person accompanying a person with a disability. For tickets please call 1-800-319-ARTS (2787).
In addition, the National Gallery offers free entry for everyone every Thursday from 17.00 p.m. to 20.00 p.m. Tickets are not required.
How much is admission to the National Gallery of Art in Ottawa?
The entrance fee is:
- $20 for adults
- $18 for seniors (+65)
- $10 for youth 24 and under and college students
- $40 for families
- free for children up to 11 years
Can you take photos at the National Gallery of Art in Ottawa?
Cameras without a tripod may be used for photos without a flash (except in places where it is prohibited). The photos may only be used for private use.
Travel Arrangements:
Check in:
Arrival by plane, bus or train*. Air Canada and other airlines fly to Ottawa or Toronto.
Hotels:
Hotels in Ottawa * You can also book through our partner booking.com.
Car Rentals:
You can book rental cars well and cheaply here.
Camper Rentals:
Do you like to travel with the motorhome? There are several campsites in Ottawa. One of these is Sleepy Cedars Family Camping, 1893 Manotick Station Rd, Greely, ON K4P 1H2, Canada. A Rent a motorhome you can here. Our packing list for campers it also helps that you don't forget anything.
Do you also know:
- Three museums in Vancouver
- Cheticamp on the Cabot Trail, folk art with humor
- Ottawa Winterlude: Ice Sculptures and More
- Packing list winter vacation
- Well located hotels for the Winterlude in Ottawa
- Upper Canada Village Ontario
- Camping in California: the best national parks and national forests
- Piran, the fishing village on the Adriatic
- Amazing architecture in the winery brain
- Lilienfeld Abbey - Abbey Library, Monastery & Gallery
- Finance Holiday - Travel Blogger Tips
Discover Food Travel as well as Ontario tips here. Cities in Canada you can also find here.
Source National Gallery of Art: On-site research. We would like to thank the Ottawa Tourism Authority and the National Gallery of Art for the invitation. However, our opinion remains our own.
Text: © Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
High ceilings ... Art museums ... I like both :-) The photos remind me of the Museum of Applied Arts in Leipzig - it's similarly high :-)
Hello Evy,
I do not know the museum in Leipzig, but the Museum of Art in Ottawa is worth a visit for its architecture alone.
Best regards,
Monika and Petar