The Remai Modern is an architectural gem that I wanted to visit ever since I saw the design…read moredrawings. A mix of copper-colored metal (both solid and perforated), glass, and concrete form rectangular blocks upon blocks resulting in a gorgeous architectural layer cake that hunkers on the bank of the South Saskatchewan River. Its flatness may be a nod to the endless prairies of this province. On the morning of my visit, sun lit up the metal in a fiery glow making the space even more inviting. The lobby is drenched in the natural light that seeps through the perforated metal panels. This may be the only art museum with a fireplace and it's a comforting anchor for this large space. Stepping up to the second level, Nick Cave's Spinner Forest takes advantage of the natural light with more than a thousand reflective spinners suspended from the ceiling that bounce that light all over the place. With a stunning exterior, unique lobby, and Nick Cave's piece all adding up to a dramatic tour de force, expectations are high. What will the galleries hold? Although the Remai has about 8,000 works of art, less of its collection is on display than typical collecting art museums. During my almost week in town, locals lamented that they, too, are frustrated by whole galleries on the upper levels given over to spare exhibitions. Fortunately, the museum may be listening. Tomorrow begins an exhibition that includes some of the hits from the permanent collection, including a dramatic Lawren Harris mountain landscape painting. That's good because I would think that a Canadian art museum not displaying a work from a member of the iconic Group of Seven must be sacrilegious. Saskatoon is a wonderful little city with the ultimate walkable downtown. The people here were all so nice and helpful that I almost felt I lived here. Add in the Remai and the town's good food, I can't think of a reason not to come back.

Very nice museum. Nice layout with some interesting shows going on right now. I really love…read morePicasso and was excited to see some of his works.