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    McMichael Canadian Art Collection

    4.3 (40 reviews)
    Open • 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    A piece from a series by Sara Angelucci that merged images of endangered birds with portraits on Victorian calling cards
    Christine M.

    What a lovely way to spend an afternoon! The McMichael museum is in a gorgeous building built like a sprawling wood and stone cabin and located in the middle of a lush forest. You can spend time admiring the art or head outside to wander the trails, which are gorgeous in any season. We actually arrived and departed by bicycle... a gorgeous gravel trail (the William Granger Greenway) starts inside the Boyd Conservation Park and delivers you pretty much right to the McMichael's front door. We lucked out by getting tickets for the free family Sunday - it's on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Normally an adult entry is $20. There was a special Tom Thompson show - endless delightful landscapes. I appreciated the expertly written wall panels that contextualized Thompson's life and work (not generic art blather that tries to teach the viewer how to appreciate art). The other exhibits by contemporary indigenous and Canadian artists were captivating and memorable - I'm looking forward to seeing what's next for these creators. The museum is a nice size - you feel like you can see everything without getting exhausted or feeling like you need to rush. We took a break mid-show to enjoy a coffee outside. There is a lovely indoor cafe in the main entrance hall that offers full meals, snacks and drinks. There was also an outdoor table with pastries, loaves, cookies, and coffee and drinks. The oatmeal raisin cookie was delicious ($4). Nice gift shop with items that support the themes of the collection.

    The Inspiration
    Peter M.

    Inspiration for your Young Artist I have been going to this art gallery for many years. I remember my first experience visiting the Gallery on a school field trip. Since then I try to make it out there at least once a year. On this visit I brought my two young artists with me to share in the experience. Located on 100 acres of forested land along the Humber River, the McMichael Gallery is a major public gallery featuring Canadian artists artwork. Another interesting fact is that the gallery is located on the original lands of the Ojibwe Anishinaabe People. The Gallery has over 6,500 artworks by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists. You could spend the whole day there as the property has a series of outdoor trails and paths, as well as outdoor art exhibits. Inside there is a restaurant and gift shop. You can also take a tour led by the staff or wander around inside or outside at your leisure. You can make a day for a family adventure or enjoy a visit all on your own. Every few months the gallery features artwork from various artists and groups of artists. If you want to discover the rich artwork that Canada has to offer then this is the place for you!

    Maud Lewis's painting
    Duong V.

    Love it! This art gallery collects all the best paintings from Canadian artists, from the group of seven to Emily Carr to Maud Lewis to Norval Morrisseau (contemporary indigenous art in Canada). It tells such a great story of different artists, from different regions of Canada, from different centuries, contributing to the evolution of Canadian Art. Since this is used to be the estate of McMichael family, the architecture is its own artwork for you to enjoy. The sculpture garden is free and really big so if you have time, highly recommend to check out.

    Annie Pootoogook; Dr Phil; 2006; colored pencil and ink on paper
    Paul L.

    I came here to see 'The Art of Canada: Director's Cut' exhibition. Just when I thought I've seen almost everything from the Group of Seven, the McMichael has put more on display from the vaults. There is a lot more, too, from other Canadian artists that I've never encountered. My favorite painting from this exhibition is a quite simple one: Tim Zuck's 'Yukon', a 1994 painting of a seaplane. It's such a simple image yet I stood in front of it for quite a while. The surprise for me is the aptly-named 'Annie Pootoogook: Cutting Ice'. I initially began to walk by these simplistic images, most on display drawn with colored pencil and ink. Then, some of the titles grabbed my attention: 'Watching Jerry Springer,' 'Ritz Crackers,' 'Gossip,' and 'Man Abusing His Partner'. The titles described each image entirely; no subtext, nothing for the viewer to interpret. This uncomfortable directness came from an artist who put her raw vulnerability -- from the mundane boredom of everyday life to sex and domestic violence -- into her work. Sadly, she died in 2016; her body found on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. These disturbingly unfiltered drawings have stayed in my mind.

    What a gorgeous setting, worth the drive!
    Stephanie S.

    Tip: Parking on premises is $7. Having said that, if you don't have any mobility issues, you can save some $$ by parking at the public school (on weekends) that's at the foot of the gallery! This is a really special art gallery, mainly due to the atmosphere because I didn't find it as crowded as other galleries IN the city. I found it quite relaxing and peaceful as there were also views of the lovely grounds from many windows. They were setting up for a wedding after-hours and I think this would be a GORGEOUS venue! Area surrounding gallery resembles Niagara-On-The-Lake - cute and quaint! Another bonus? It's really not that far of a drive. :) Best enjoyed during warmer, non-snow months because there is also a statue garden!

    Elvis A.

    This place is an Oasis close to the forgetful landscape that is GTA. What an an unexpected place for an art collection, lush green gardens with thick foliage all over the place. I would say this is an unexplored area for good picnic. The main building itself is nice as well with an open and inviting feel. The main display area is extensive and there is a steady flow of exhibits from what I read. I guess its unfair to comment on the exhibits as art itself is subjective nevertheless the exhibit I saw was interesting and is a must visit for the people who are into this genre. I think I will revisit next time time they have some interesting exhibit or just want to get away from the city.

    Lawren Harris.
    Perry G.

    If you are looking for an authentic Canadian art experience, make sure to put the McMichael on your bucket list. I visited regularly when I lived in Toronto and now my wife and visit every time we are in the Toronto area. Yelp Tip - If you have an Associate Membership with the Albright-Knox art gallery, you have reciprocal privileges at the McMichael for free admission to the gallery! That is almost a $40 savings for a family visit. The art gallery features masterpieces from the Group of Seven (the quintessential Canadian landscape artists), and other amazing Canadian artists such as Emily Carr and Norval Morriseau. They also recently had ana amazing Matisse exhibit! Once you've taken in all the great artwork, head outside to the beautiful grounds which are connected to the Humber Valley Trail network. Parking is a very reasonable $5 Canadian and they also have a very nice gift shop which sells everything from maple syrup to jewelry.

    Melissa G.

    The McMichael Gallery has been one of my favourite cultural destinations in Ontario since my first trip to the gallery when I was in grade 3. To set the mood for your visit to this gallery, you take a very relaxing drive to Kleinburg (just 40 minutes outside of Toronto) with a beautiful background of nature and forestry. Once you arrive and walk through to the art displays, you are surrounded by beautiful artwork which expresses the great Canadian talents, such as the Group of Seven and Tom Thompson. Even the woods surrounding the gallery offers a beautiful view through the building's windows, which makes you feel you are looking both at artwork on the walls and outside in nature. Apart from the actual artwork, the facilities has a wonderful restaurant and a great space for functions such as weddings or corporate parties. As well, the McMichael Gallery keeps experiencing cultural affordable by offering inexpensive day passes and full family passes.

    Steph C.

    This art gallery has one of the most beautiful display here in Ontario. The spacing of all the artwork is nicely spaced and the wall colours of each of the sections match the artwork. It's interesting how such small things can make the art gallery more welcoming such as the lighting as well. Tom Thomson's shack is located by the gallery. You can take a look at the outside of it but I'm not sure about taking a look of the inside of it. Regardless, they have the group of seven and Tom Thomson gallery, northwest coastal and Norval Morisseau's artwork displayed here.

    Art in the grounds

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    Great place but costly admission, need more activities for adults and promote local artists.

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    Review Highlights - McMichael Canadian Art Collection

    “Apart from the Group of Seven, McMichael has a great collection of Native and Inuit art and sculptures.”

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    You'd be an oddball if you were here and not a tourist…read more I fitted in just like everyone else. Visiting Toronto for the first time. Plan for a good 2-3 hour visit if you want to see everything at a leisurely pace. Note that there are a few very narrow and winding staircases to get to the towers. If you come by transit, be prepared for a workout. There are stairs to get to the castle. After that, there are stairs in the castle. Part castle history and part war memorial were the displays. Pro tip - get the Toronto CityPASS if you're here for the first time. You'll save on the attractions

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    This is not a large museum but after the renovations the exhibits are well presented…read more There's exhibits with historic art of the area, community art, immigration, celebrations and more. The entrance fee is commensurate with the size of the collection.

    Perhaps it's good timing that this is my first review of 2019 as a resolution that I need to make​…read moremore visits here. I'd visited PAMA (how it's commonly known and on the signage) about 3 years ago​ for an event but haven't returned since - nor had I brought my kids until today. Pretty sad considering how great the facility is - and that I only live a few blocks from it. The Museum and Art Gallery are in separate buildings from each other​ but connected by a ​tunnel. It's truly magnificent throughout the entire facility by how they integrate the old stone structure with the new additions which are largely glass and allow a lot of natural light. The art gallery is the smaller of the two sections. The gallery has some beautiful pieces and a great exhibit at the time of writing - but it's fairly small. Downstairs they have two studios - almost multipurpose rooms. They often have daycamps for kids there. For example, during the current winter break, they've had a separate activity each day - with today's being to create a rose out of clay. My kids had a blast and the staff was​ very helpful and cheerful. The tunnel linking the sections serves as the photography exhibit. At my first visit, it was a bit more art-centered​, and my visit today it was more historically-oriented. Both times were great and there were lots of great things that caught my attention. The museum is larger than the art gallery. The first level has a kids area - suited for ages 4-8 where they have a lot of interactive play and learn about food, transport, ​and other things. Just behind are a few cells remaining from the prison era which serve to highlight the conditions of the era, and some of the harsh realities and injustices​ as well. Upstairs shows old artifacts largely highlighting the area's agrarian roots. They keep kids involved where they can pretend to plant their own garden. There was a also a very impressive First Nations exhibit which had some interactive features. It should go without saying that PAMA is not out to compete with being a world-class Museum or art gallery​. But considering it's scope as a suburban one, and that admission is only $5 for adults and even less for kids, I think it's phenomenal​. Anyone near the area should visit it at least once, and even families outside of Peel but in the GTA should really consider making a day trip here - especially​ during school breaks when the art gallery is​ providing activities for kids. PAMA truly deserves to be featured on more "Places to take your kids..." GTA lists. Overall,​ ​very fun, inspiring​ and family friendly. Tip: free family passes available at Brampton Library - with the Four Corners branch only a couple blocks away.

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    McMichael Canadian Art Collection - galleries - Updated September 2026

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