Great place to meander Some interesting pieces Some not so interesting Nice location Super nice staff Art work on sale and for rent... lots to choose from Reasonably priced Fun couple of hours Interactive stuff for kids Would recommend read more

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Took a friend to make a brooch! Had images of Madeleine Albright and her famous brooches. Instead a great staffer introduced us to felting that he learned from his Nana. And by teaching us, it's a way to honour her. What a great grandson! The instructions were straightforward and it was fun stabbing wool! A great new hobby that is accessible and a traditional needle craft. Sign up for their Thursday evening classes and bond w a friend, spouse or parent. Or go on your own. The company is great and the conversation was broad ranging! Will definitely return for more! read more

What the living what? We were SO excited to go. The architecture of the building was the only thing worth seeing here. Ok, I lied. There was ONE piece by a little known artist that MAY have been worth seeing. I apologize if this sounds brutal but if I want to see local flavor I can go see the exhibit at the local high school or take a tour of galleries that sell these pieces. Being told that I just missed the Group of Seven and that there are some notable pieces coming in the fall... when your museum is THE museum of the province, the rich one with the oil? Get at least ONE notable name in there folks! I was SO excited to go and then SO terribly disappointed. My hopes were lifted when a person said there was a Pride film starting on the hour. We quickly abandoned the "art" viewing to go see this film and hurried to the screening room. We sat in this empty room for 15 minutes past "on the hour", by ourselves, with the film not showing yet. We felt this was incredibly disrespectful of our time and so decided to leave. As we were leaving we were told they were 'just waiting for a few more people'. Well, you HAD 2 people in there.... and then you had none. Good job. Save your money and go elsewhere it is a waste of time, the building is pretty enough on the outside. OR? Feel sorry for these folks and donate money to them so they can buy or rent something good, don't waste your vacation time going in there though, for realsies! read more

Me and my friends always like to stop by the gallery once every so often, students get to enjoy free admission. Just the building's architecture alone is enjoyable to look at and the gallery changes its exhibitions and the staffs are always friendly and knowledgeable about the displaying piece. read more

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I have to say the art work was underwhelming. There was lots of space but very little to take in. I've spent more time dropping in at the art store in West Edmonton Mall, then any of those exhibits at the Art Gallery of Alberta today, ( by the way its Sterling Gallery & Framing always worth a peak if your at WEM). We have a lot of great talent in Edmonton, let alone Alberta. Can we not do better then this? Having said all that, everything else was great at this location. The architecture of the building was interesting and the inside was nice, although spacious. I did infact like some of the art work. The staff were very helpful and friendly. I thought some of the exhibits appealing to other senses was an interesting touch. They had a smell exhibit, some weak and others pungent. Also a auditory one, I listened briefly to ocean waves. The price was decent as well and I believe its free on the last Thursday of every month. Seriously though, if someone wants to open an art gallery in Etown, they might make some serious bank. read more

Great place! Great for kids !! The art opening are always fun and every show so far has had an interactive part to it. Really like the gallery. read more

Art Gallery of Alberta - Rembrandt - Art Galleries Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

I've always enjoyed my visits here. The exterior is unique and the exhibits are usually interesting. There is a enough change to warrant a visit or two a year. They offered free admission times (not sure if they still do) but it was usually packed. One staff mentioned that the attendance during free admission was equal to the total admission for the rest of the week. If you want a more personal, private experience, I would pay the fee and attend on a regular day. Personally, I like taking a moment to go out on the rooftop patio to enjoy the view of downtown. It almost feels like your breaking the rules or something. It's fun going out there. read more

Celebrating Canada's rich contribution to the arts, an underrated group of painters and sculptors who have come to prominence from the mid-1900's to now, the Art Gallery of Alberta presents several well-curated floors in a dynamic building that itself compels further exploration with plenty of curves and a layout that encourages visitors to get lost. Largely fine arts, though a bit of craft is represented, the building's main attraction comes from Montreal-born David Altmejd whose boxcar sized sculpture featured in its own room, the study of movement in plexiglass one of only a handful found in North America as many are currently featured at a special exhibit in Belgium. read more

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It's nice to, once in a while, come to a place of solitude like the AGA. I've been here three times this summer and I find it the perfect place to unwind and relax in the sublime constructs of this space enjoying some beautiful art The quality of the exhibits are pretty good. I thoroughly enjoyed the Escher exhibit and managed to join the walking lecture on the Warner Bros. exhibit on their art work. Very interesting indeed. The Piranesi exhibit on prisons was also great. Okay - exhibits come and go. I think what's important is that this gallery has 3 storeys with ample exhibition space coupled with a very comfortable and inviting ambience. At a time, I imagine they could have up to 8 different exhibits. The architect, Randall Stout, has given this place more functionality than his ex-boss's (Frank Gehry) works of similar grace. The outside has a very Gehreisc resemblance to it looking almost like a younger brother of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The gift shop is cute! They have books on art, Edmonton, artists etc. along with the coffee mugs, jigsaw puzzles and the likes. Given that they have a sort-of childrens' section on the main floor, I think this place would be a good place for families. The guides and other people who work here are quite knowledgeable and clearly enthusiastic about their job. The only downside, as I see it, is that their exhibits don't change as often as they could. If it were an enormously large gallery, that would be a good thing. But given that the exhibit sizes are relatively small, I wish they'd have at least one new exhibit every 2 months. read more

Art Gallery of Alberta - Two toned - Art Galleries Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

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I write this review as a gentleman who does not frequent art galleries nor have I been to the AGA in about 8 years or so. I really enjoyed my time at the AGA. Firstly, there is the interesting design of the building which, from a distance, looks like a shark is hugging the top. It's kind of cute. Secondly, I love how much context is incorporated on the descriptions of the artists and art. This allowed me to appreciate the exhibits and learn more about prominent and contemporary Canadian artists. I enjoyed reading about artists like Emily Carr, Lawren Harris, Walter J. Phillips (British Artist who settled in Canada) and Brian Jungen. I had a vague idea about Emily Carr's influence on Canadian art, but came away with a better appreciation of her contribution. Her pieces were among my favourites in the gallery. Brian Jungen three pieces were fun. And Phillips' technique and work with water colours and block printing were amazing. In some cases, they resembled photographs. Finally, I felt the staff are a passionate and friendly bunch. Almost annoyingly so, but I mean this as a complement. Clearly, they know their stuff and are not afraid to go into detail about it. I suppose one wants that from the staff of an art museum. The experience was worth the $13+ entrance fee. Will be back very soon! read more

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I don't often get to go to a museum and see actual works of art. Not only is the building itself very interesting, I think it has some great exhibits that everyone can enjoy. 3D, audio/visual, sensory stimulation that anyone can appreciate. Their gift shop is also pretty cool. Great for some gift ideas. Oh, and of course for those who prefer, there has been an ongoing programme for free admission :) Thank you Servus! Free admission to the AGA on the last Thursday of every month from 6-9 pm.* Made possible with the support of Servus Credit Union. - See more at: http://www.youraga.ca/hours#sthash.GBxhltqd.dpuf Take it in! There was a great exhibit a few months ago with lights and shiny things, stuff to touch and smell, it was awesome. Got nothing to do on a last Thursday this month? Hop by after a bite downtown, see what's new in the world of art and culture! read more

Art Gallery of Alberta - Love that we have a major gallery right downtown - Art Galleries Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

Really a great exhibition space and on par if not better than most public art galleries in North America. It's not the Met or the Guggenheim, but it's as good as the VAG and the Musee des beaux arts. The really well done Karsh, Goya and Degas exhibits have moved on, but now we've got M.C. Escher and the "Art of Warner Bros.": Bugs and Daffy. You bet I'm going. read more

I went for the first time, paid the 1 day entry, saw a few exhibits and got an AGA membership so that I could come back whenever I want. They offered to put my 1 day entry fee toward my membership which is fair, appreciated and with mentioning. Its a great space, located right downtown, and they work in conjunction with other galleries across Canada. I plan on using the membership when I'm in Vancouver and at the National Gallery in Ottawa. I also will be going back regularly, hopefully to see every exhibit they host over the next year. I tried to go into the restaurant Zinc but they had just closed their kitchen after lunch and before dinner. The cafe upstairs was still open but there was a street festival in Churchill square so we just ate at the food trucks and vendors out there. I really like the patio in AGA. Im looking forward to attending events there while the weather is still nice! read more

Art Gallery of Alberta - Art Galleries Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

I don't get art. I realize that's a pretty broad statement, and that art is a subjective medium but art galleries aren't really my thing. I look at a painting and usually the things that come to my mind are adjectives like; neat, weird and thoughts such as, "I like that colour of blue paint." I'm never able to comprehend what an artist is trying to say about himself/herself or society in general. Despite this I've been to the new Art Gallery of Alberta three times. Once with a friend after it first opened. Then to check out the Escher and Looney Tunes exhibit, and finally again with another friend to see the Andy Warhol exhibit. I love that Edmonton has such a beautiful and unique space to display art from all over the world. I think the AGA has done a great job of bringing in art exhibits that will attract a wide range of people, from art aficionados, to people like me who don't really get art. There's an art area for kids, more traditional art, and even interactive art. One of my favourite exhibits on my last visit was the interactive silver cloud exhibit. I don't know what it was supposed to mean, but it was fun. Adult admission is $12.50 but if you're a student or senior you'll only pay $8.50. Alternatively you can check out the AGA on the last Thursday of each month from 6pm to 8pm when admission is free. However; the free night gets busy, so if you like to take your time looking through a gallery and/or you want to avoid crowds then this won't be your best choice. You can drive to the AGA and park at a nearby parkade, like the one at the library. But I recommend taking the LRT because the AGA is right next to Churchill Station. Take the escalator from the platform of the lrt station and at the top you'll see the entrance that goes to the AGA. The AGA has a restaurant, Zinc, which I haven't been to. There's a rooftop space with different sculptures. It's not a huge, but day it give a nice view of Churchill Square and city hall. Plus the standard gift store featuring a variety of souvenirs, including postcards of the when the AGA was being built (which I thought was kinda neat). They also have souvenirs relating to the exhibits that are occurring at the time, books, and products from local artists, like Sushi Papercraft journals (disclaimer: I know the artist behind Sushi Papercraft but I still really love the journals). The next time I come to the AGA I'm going to book a tour to learn more about what I'm seeing. Maybe I'll finally understand art, and maybe it'll always be something I don't really get. Either way I'll come back to the AGA and have a nice time trying to figure it out. read more

So cool! AGA offers three floors of art in a very modern (architecturally speaking) building in downtown Edmonton. Definitely not as prolific as as, say the Getty or the MOMA, but enough for an hour and a half of entertainment. Glad I got the opportunity to check out the Art Gallery of Alberta on a Wednesday night, which is when they open late (also Lego night for kids, apparently). Overall, I am glad I got to check out the art gallery for free, but not sure if I would be willing to whatever the price is for admission due to the limited exhibitions, both in quantity and selection of exhibitions. My favorite exhibition was "kayâs-ago" (Cree for "a long time ago") by Amy Malbeuf, which is an homage to the indigenous Cree people of Edmonton. The art itself was presented in a dimly-lit room, with various sizes of circular panels on the wall at different heights. The panels were back-lit, reminiscent of circular LED night lights, and the circular edges were defined in space by white caribou hair (yes, caribou!). Within the circular panels were various quotes that were meaningful to the artist; quotes ranged from familiar to unfamiliar, deep to profane, straightforward to bemusing. The typography was a simple sans serif, but impressive because it seemed like a standardized font but was made with tufts of white caribou hair, an ironic homage (in my opinion, at least) to the the native inhabitants, animals included. I also enjoyed the gift star in the main lobby on the first floor, though I did not make any purchases. Gifts ranged from brain games that seemed to have been developed by someone the education field, to locally crafted items such as jewelry and scarves, to novelty items related to the arts exhibits. Items were certainly pricey, but was harmless to peruse. read more

Art Gallery of Alberta - View from 2nd 3rd floors - Art Galleries Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

I generally love art galleries. This one was an exception. Very small exhibits. The indigenous art was fair but most of the exhibits were boring and dull. We were not there long. Very small but nice gift shop. The outside of the building is interesting. I would certainly not go out of my way to visit. Even the true art lover would find little here to love. read more

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Awesome Art Gallery. Spent Couple Of Hours And Thoroughly Enjoyed. Saw Some Beautiful Art Pieces And Had Lunch There With Friends. I Would Love To Visit Again. read more

Some great exhibits which everyone can enjoy. I feel like the exhibits or changing so much there is always something for everyone. A great way to spend a rainy afternoon or go there when it's sunny and enjoyed their rooftop patio. Parking is hard to get so I usually just park underground the Canada place. I also love their gift shop I find that they have the most unique gift there-- that's one of my favourite parts;) read more

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Just recently Edmonton was unable to attract and host prominent touring exhibitions because its art gallery was leaking, too small, and contained inadequate climate controls. All that has changed with the beautiful and eye-catching new Art Gallery of Alberta. Situated on Churchill Square, the building captures elements of the Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Los Angeles Opera House, joining the Winspear Centre and City Hall in making the Square the architectural centerpiece of Edmonton. A result of community fundraising, the Gallery maintains its commitment to the community by maintaining free admission from 6-9 on the last Thursday of each month. From the outside, the ribbon of metal intersects dark, symmetrical windows, symbolizing the North Saskatchewan River making its way through the city's grid-like layout. Inside, those same ribbons are lightly bathed in blue, evoking the wonders of Aurora Borealis in our glorious north. Wood paneling adds coziness to the open spaces while the rooms - sleek, modern, softly lit - lend themselves to quiet contemplation and easy maneuvering between installations. Little seen is a pleasant lecture hall in the basement. Finally, Zinc, ranked as one of Edmonton's best new restaurants of 2010, offers lunch and dinner in an artistic and urban environment. Come downtown and experience what is truly the new jewel of Edmonton. read more

I love the AGA simply because it offers so much. There are the exhibits, yes, but I've also enjoyed an afternoon on their rooftop terrace or taken adult art classes in their basement annex. I repeatedly take guests here for an afternoon that isn't too "museumy" and when I want to impress them with a cool example of Edmonton architecture. I like the Gift Shop as well, as you can find more than just souvenirs from the travelling exhibits. The book selection is awesome, if you have a hard-to-buy-for friend, check out the Gift Shop for an idea, or buy them a gift certificate! I tend to enjoy the interactive exhibits upstairs as I can get a little bored moving from piece to piece whilst reading wall plaques. I've spent time here with dates, my sister, my Mom and solo. Again, the terrace up top is where your hipster friends had their wedding photos taken and where you'll find awesome views of DT Edmonton. The art classes are cheap and for beginners like me who just want to try something new. I've met some cool people through these art classes, and the instructors are fun and friendly. If you haven't checked out the AGA you should make it your business to do so. Especially now while you can enjoy their terrace! read more

I may not have got the full experience since I visited on Canada Day when the museum was offering free (!) admission, and it was packed! That being said all the staff/volunteers were very helpful & friendly, even when dealing with lots of crowds. Lineups to get into exhibits were well-organized. The building itself is very unique and exhibits were interesting. My favourite of the current exhibits was the William Kentridge exhibit - the video/projections were very unique, have never seen anything like it. Go check it out if you can! read more

When many people look at the AGA, they think, "Whoa, what a strange looking building. What's it doing there? It's so outta place!" When I look at the AGA, I think, "Man, Edmonton's got it goin' on!" I do agree that it's out of place. You go one block east and you're in pawn shop central. Then again, Edmonton's out of place. It's ridiculous that almost a million people live this far north, struggling through the winters we do. I've been to my fair share of world-class museums and galleries. The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the British Museum of London, the Metropolitan in New York and quite a few smaller but just as renowned wonders. I don't pretend to know much about art itself. I simply like the emotions art evokes. The spaces themselves say a lot about the residents and place. That being the case, I'd have to say that Edmontonians have some pretty interesting ideas on what makes a good city, if the AGA is an indication of the direction the city is moving to. Whoever the art director is at the AGA is wonderful. I've visited about five times now and each time, AT LEAST one of the exhibits takes my breath away. Easily one of my favourite places in the city. read more

I can't say enough good things about the Art Gallery of Alberta. I took the tour on the architecture of the building, and all I could say was, "Wow!" Learned a ton about the unique design and the sustainable elements of the new building. The exhibits change fairly regularly here, and the different galleries feature a refreshing range of art. From the 1800s to Looney Tunes, I think everyone could find something they enjoy. I especially enjoyed watching Looney Tunes for a few minutes on the newly-installed TVs to give my legs a break. Cannot wait to go back and see the newest art. read more

Love the AGA. I spent a couple hours there during my first visit and promptly bought a membership! The AGA also has a great outreach program for those of us who want to exercise our creative muscles from time to time. read more

The newly renovated Art Gallery of Alberta is something Edmontonians should be proud of: it's a very interesting piece of architecture at the heart of downtown and its exhibits are a mix of quirk and high class. It's a great place to take in some high quality art or to spend a date day. My husband and I have gone a couple times already, to take in the Looney Tunes and Escher exhibit, which we really enjoyed. The staff at the AGA seem to be very committed in getting high quality exhibits to pass through. On a random walk down Jasper, I was discussing the AGA with my sister and a passerby overheard our conversation and made a note to say that the AGA can hold its own against the likes of the Art Gallery of Ontario. Just because it's in Edmonton, doesn't mean we can't appreciate a genuine work of Degas, and other such work you may expect in larger metropolitan cities. The inside is an interesting 3-storey space, with also an outdoor patio and a ton of glass, wood, and light. So, beyond the exhibits shown, the place is nice enough to observe itself. Also great: the AGA is right above the Churchill LRT station, making it very accessible to anyone wanting to take in some art. read more

Newly rebuilt with a modern design incorporating different elements, the Art Gallery of Alberta has the space and atmosphere to host world-class art exhibits. And it has been doing so since it reopened in January of 2010. The exhibit spaces are huge, well-lit, and have plenty of places to sit down and contemplate. There is a top quality restaurant on the main floor (Zinc) and a coffee car on the second floor, with an outside patio that has an incredible view of downtown. I bought a membership so I can come here and enjoy the full experience whenever I am downtown and have time. And I always make time for art. read more

I'm a big fan of installation art. If the AGA has a good exhibit that is interactive or includes installation art, I totally want to experience it. Having been going to the AGA since long before the new building was constructed, I also really enjoy attending special events here. The new building is gorgeous, eye-catching and well worth a visit if you haven't already. read more

As one of the non food related stops during my visit to Edmonton, I have to say that I was rather impressed with the selection here. I am very much an art amateur and I only can really talk about what I like versus what I don't like. I am not proficient in different art techniques or even its history. The works I were able to see here impressed me and I felt the price was excellent for everything I was able to take in. We visited on a Friday around 11am and we found the gallery mostly empty save for the legion of school children running around. Even with the kids, the place was quite decent for viewing art. The pieces were presented with good spacing and each smaller gallery was tied together with a common theme which was clearly explained up front. We ended up only making it through half of the available works before hunger got the better of us. I felt the temperature was controlled nicely and I didn't get that "I'm going to fall asleep" feeling that I have gotten in other museums. At 12CA I really felt that my visit here was a value and I only wish photography was allowed in the galleries. I did get a small yelling at for trying to snap a photo with my iPhone. I have no flash but it didn't matter, photography is discouraged as I quickly learned. Other than the undue attention I brought on myself, I had a fantastic time here. The architecture of the building alone is worth the price of admission. read more

I like the new gallery - but don't love it. It somehow seems like the quality of the visitor experience was sacrificed for the wacky exterior. After the grandeur of the entrance, some of the exhibit spaces seem forced and the transitions are often clunky. But my biggest beef is with the price of admission. We usually go at least once a year, but at the current price would not go more often. read more

Gives the downtown of Edmonton a tasteful, artsy yet stylish feel to the centre core of the city. Which is defiantly what Edmonton needs to revamp their outlook to tourists and local perspectives from the people. Inside, defiantly allows one to escape the city mindset - you think Edmonton and you do not see edmonton insde, well that is given the mindset for me. I like to be transported when i think of art and its surroundings. read more

Love the exterior of this building. Love the way it's integrated into the interior staircase experience; overall an awesome venue, and I wish I could attend (or host) an event in the space, as it's likely the envy of downtown Edmonton. Additionally, the rooftop patio space is excellent and although the view isn't all that special, it's a nice way to extend the space. The artwork itself didn't blow me away, and I think that there is likely an effort to build a more exciting collection. Now, I'm no expert, so it's not really fair to judge, either. I'm happy we stopped in, and I would visit again if there was an event or special exhibit of interest. read more

Wonderful to see an oasis of culture blossoming in Edmonton. Wouldn't it be great if Edmonton bull dozed some of the boring buildings around the Mall and replaced them with more architectural interesting and iconic buildings like the AGA. Some great at work inside at the 90x90 show. Viewing a great collection of Alberta art was inspiring. I'll be back. read more

Love our Art Gallery!!! Every time I drive or walk by it it makes me smile. I love all of the fabulous event that are always being held there. I love classes the that the gallery puts on. And I love that Alberta had the for thought to produce such a stunning building that globally represents to the world that Albertans care about art, that we are serious about bringing top bill exhibits here, for the people of our Province. It makes me happy to know that children in Alberta now have a state of the art facility that their school can bring them too (remember that depressing old building. Worst field trips ever!) So kudos to every one that was involved in one way or another that made it possible to bring real art to Alberta. Now go out and get a membership, or see the current exhibits. Have lunch at Zinc and tell 'em Jennie sent ya! No no, don't do that last part ;) read more

I have never been to an Art Gallery before but this was impressive. The building has been renovated and now looks and feels how I imagine an art gallery should feel. It's another cool thing to check out if you haven't before. If you are downtown you should definitely stop by. read more

Lots to look at and welcoming to small Children read more

Art Gallery of Alberta - Art Galleries Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

This is the worst gallery I have ever been to in my life. One possibly interesting exhibit that wasn't open yet and three floors of utter crap. I am very open minded and I could not wrap my head around 90% of what was here. I will not come back here. This is the biggest waste of taxpayer dollars in Alberta that I have ever seen. The architecture of the building was very cool though. Everything was a throw back to the 1960s and 70s of weird sounds, choppy video and scraps of paper and metal. read more

My boyfriend told me there was a Rembrandt and van Gogh exhibit at the AGA, so I said let's go check out. This museum is just. . .okay. I am more into traditional art and dislike modern yet. There seemed to be an equal balance of the two at AGA. It was a nice visit, but I highly doubt I'll be going there again. There just wasn't enough to see. read more

The AGA taught me a valuable lesson. Never go on first dates to art galleries. Neither of us were sure if we were quietly admiring the art or just having a drawn out, awkward silence. Trying to flirt in an echoey gallery with 10 other silent strangers listening to your every word is also not recommended. Needless to say, we hurried through the collections. My next visit was not as jarring an experience and I had a great time. read more

Went here today with my brother so glad we got in free because what a waste of time. I understand that are is subjective but when human hair is glued to a stick that's not art, it's frankly trash. The second floor was also blocked off for remodelling the website should have stated that because we spent a total of 30min all together in the gallery's. I found it stupid the the only art I really saw was the building itself and the art I drew in the hands on kids exhibit. What a waste to have that space filled with useless art. To be honest I used to believe that everyone is artist but after what I saw today my view has definitely changed. Everyone can put things together doesn't mean it's art. read more

Totally awesome! Now we need something like this in Calgary, too. Beautiful renovation... world-class artwork contained within... love love love! read more