The Winnipeg Art Gallery : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Winnipeg is home to many unique attractions and one of them is the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG). Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, WAG is one of the city’s most renowned art galleries. This iconic building houses an impressive collection of artwork ranging from traditional, contemporary and international pieces. As one of the oldest and largest galleries in Canada, the Winnipeg Art Gallery also features acclaimed exhibitions, educational and cultural programming, and vibrant events. Dive into this blog post to learn some interesting facts and travel information about the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Discover why this is one of the greatest destinations for art lovers, culture vultures and travelling art enthusiasts.

Interesting Facts About The Winnipeg Art Gallery

1. The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) was established in 1912 and is Canada’s oldest civic art gallery.

2. The WAG is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit Art.

3. Over 10,000 works of art spanning more than 5,000 years of human history are found within the WAG’s walls.

4. The WAG is home to 8 stunning galleries, containing world-renowned works of art.

5. In addition to housing permanent and temporary exhibitions, the WAG provides a variety of educational programs for the public.

6. Throughout its history, the WAG has been committed to indigenous art and regularly feature indigenous works in various exhibitions.

7. With more than 500 volunteers, the WAG boasts one of the most active volunteer teams in the art world.

8. The WAG has hosted popular events, ranging from “Movies at the Gallery” and art festivals to numerous music and theatre shows.

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History & Information About The Winnipeg Art Gallery

The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) is an art museum located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Housed in a modern building in the Exchange District of downtown Winnipeg, the gallery was established in 1912 and is the oldest art institution in Western Canada. Its permanent collection includes more than 24,000 works including the world’s largest collection of Inuit art, as well as Canadian and international contemporary art, historical and modernist art, and a growing collection of photographs. The WAG also features a variety of exhibitions, educational programs, lectures, and workshops.

The roots of the Winnipeg Art Gallery are traced back to the Winnipeg Arts and Crafts Club, established in the early 1900s. In 1911, the Club was presented with an oil painting by F. C. Friesen, a former art student and local artist, while his parents were traveling abroad. A collection of over fifty works were soon donated by other local artists and the Club’s collection quickly grew. In 1912, the Winnipeg Arts and Crafts Club formally became the Winnipeg Art Gallery and opened its first exhibition that year.

In 1951, the gallery moved from its original location in the Exchange District to the newly constructed building in downtown Winnipeg, and in 1962, the WAG opened its Sculpture Garden. In the mid-1960s, the gallery launched its first promotional campaign and began hosting more traveling exhibitions. The gallery has continued to modernize and expand, and in 1981 was the first in the world to feature an Inuit Print Gallery, which now showcases the world’s largest collection of Inuit art. In 2005, the WAG opened the Muriel Richardson Centre, which provides modern display and storage facilities for the WAG’s 5,000 Inuit artworks.

In 2018, the Winnipeg Art Gallery celebrated its centennial anniversary and commemorated its founding with a variety of special events and exhibitions. Today, the WAG continues to be a leader in the Canadian art world and a major artistic facility and tourist destination in Winnipeg.

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Travel Guide For Visiting The Winnipeg Art Gallery

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is one of the best contemporary art galleries in Canada. Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, it is home to a wide variety of modern, contemporary, and historic artwork from Canadian, International, and Indigenous artists. The main galleries showcase paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations, and more, all complemented by educational and interactive programming. If you are planning to spend some time browsing through the collection, here is a handy visitor’s guide to the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Hours and Admission

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is open Tuesday-Thursday 9AM to 8PM, Friday-Saturday 9AM-5PM, and Sundays 12PM-5PM. Admission is free on Tuesday after 5PM and Saturday 9AM-5PM. The admission cost for adults is $13.50, seniors and students $11.50, and children 12 and under are free.

Exhibitions

The Winnipeg Art Gallery hosts a diverse range of exhibitions. On view now is the Dale Chihuly Exhibition which showcases some of the most iconic works from the acclaimed glass artist. Other notable exhibitions include the Crossing Lines exhibition that looks at the legacies of colonialism, the New Acquisitions exhibition featuring new artworks added to the permanent collection, and the Before & After exhibition that creates a conversation about the impact of climate change through art.

Tours

If you would like to learn more about the exhibitions and artworks on view, you can take a guided tour. The Winnipeg Art Gallery offers guided tours that will introduce you to the collection and allow you to engage with the work in a meaningful way. These tours are free and require no prior booking, simply meet the tour guide in the main lobby.

Events

The Winnipeg Art Gallery hosts a variety of events, from art classes and lectures, to music and film screenings. The upcoming events include a lecture on artistic appropriations featuring artist and author Tim Van de Velde and a concert featuring soloist and chamber music.

If you’re in Winnipeg and looking to explore the world of art and culture, a visit to the Winnipeg Art Gallery is a must. Boasting one of Canada’s best collections, and a wide range of interactive and educational programming, the gallery provides a great opportunity to engage with art in all its forms.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Winnipeg Art Gallery

Q: What is the Winnipeg Art Gallery?

A: The Winnipeg Art Gallery is an art museum located in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It is the home of the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art, which consists of more than 11,000 works. The gallery also houses works of art from Canada and around the world, as well as an extensive education program.

Q: What type of exhibits does the gallery have?

A: The Winnipeg Art Gallery regularly features exhibits from a variety of mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and video. The gallery also hosts talks, receptions, and other events throughout the year.

Q: Does the gallery have any public programs?

A: Yes. The Winnipeg Art Gallery offers a variety of public programs such as lectures, studio sessions, tours, and family days. The gallery also has a gift shop and cafe.

Q: Is there an admission fee?

A: A general admission fee applies to entry to the gallery; however, there are discounts and free admission days for children, seniors, and members of the military.

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