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.
Moshe Safdie's architecture turns the National Gallery into an architectural work of art that is a source of amazement. 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.
The architecture of Moshe Safdie
Inside, however, the ramp through which you reach the Great Hall under the glass structure reminds me more of a cathedral from the Gothic period, with its columns that irresistibly lead the eye 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 large hall looks like a cathedral.
If you stand under the glass structure of the large hall, the awnings that cover the glass panels provide shade. When the sun shines outside, they look like a flower that opens its leaves above the viewer. The windows look out over the Parliament building, the Ottawa River and the hills of Gatineau. Opposite the entrance it is only steps to the Byward Market.
Packing tips for a city trip to Ottawa Ontario
- Comfortable shoes, because you will definitely be walking a lot in Ottawa.
- A City backpack, in which you can store everything you need for a day tour through the city, for example.
- I also always use it for fine dining in one of the city's restaurants Pumps mit.
- An 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.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
On our tour of the National Gallery of Art, we repeatedly come across interior spaces in which visitors find bright places to rest. For example, he can review the masterpieces of art in his mind. A pond in the Water Court invites you to relax. The Garden Court is planted with red flowers. The plant species in this part of the museum varies with the season, we learn. Finally, in a third room there is an art installation by an artist from British Columbia, whose sculptures recall the fate of the Indian 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:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arrival:
For example, book your journey here by flight, bus or train*. Air Canada and other airlines fly to Ottawa or Toronto. From there you can then travel on by rental car. It is also possible to continue your journey by bus or train.
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 traveling by motorhome? There are several campsites in Ottawa for this purpose. One of them is Sleepy Cedars Family Camping, 1893 Manotick Station Rd, Greely, ON K4P 1H2, Canada. A Rent a motorhome you can for example here. Our packing list for campers It also helps ensure that you don't forget anything.
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- Amazing architecture in the winery brain
- Lilienfeld Abbey - Abbey Library, Monastery & Gallery
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Discover Food Travel and Ontario tips here. Cities in Canada you can also find here.
Source National Gallery of Art: research on site. We would therefore like to thank the Ottawa Tourism Authority and the National Gallery of Art for the invitation. However, our opinions remain 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