This is definitely a good art gallery for a city the size of Edmonton, but it wasn't very busy on the night I visited and I can understand why.The gallery isn't geared towards tourists or people who are new to art. Many of the information signs next to the pieces don't say much about the art. This makes it difficult for first-timers and casual visitors to understand the purpose of any of the pieces, so most of the other visitors I saw were art students taking complicated notes. If the gallery wants more visitors they need to broaden the size of audience that they can appeal to.Another issue on the Wednesday night that I visited was that they were hosting some sort of game night where a bunch of students were playing board games. They were extremely loud, laughing and screaming excitedly for hours without any intervention from the gallery employees.I think I'll definitely visit the gallery again in a few years, but I wouldn't recommend taking any friends or out-of-town visitors unless they're really into art.
Though I am sure it will often be better the exhibition of local modern artists during our visit had little to commend itself. All 4 adults visiting were far from impressed. However clearly a venue with promise.
Top notch exhibits, great features and a unique looking structure; which constitutes as an art display unto itself. You cannot compare this gallery to the Gugenheim or other world renowned galleries, but it is a feature in downtown that gives Edmonton that extra level. With the museum coming soon nearby expanding the district it hopes to become a world attraction.
We had the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery for the first time on Canada Day, where they were allowing everyone to enter for free for the day. Even with the long line ups, the exhibits were well worth the wait!
Don't imagine this is a museum like one in a major city; on the other hand, it is an excellent museum for a city of one million people. The building itself is beautiful I saw an excellent show there last week by 5 Israeli artists. It was deeply compelling and superbly executed and curated. There is also a restaurant (Zinc) and a gift shop.
The building itself is neat. The "artwork" was beyond lame. There wasn't a lot to look at and what there was was very average unattractive photographs. I had a free pass and it still wasnt worth it.
Go just to see the building! The paintings are great too.This is part of the downtowns new architectural centre.
You wont forget your first visit to AGA! The shiny Zinc curved exterior and swooping interior is world-class architecture! It's everything an art gallery should be, and more. ( the more means catering and banquet facilities, art education opportunities and fine dining onsite. )Check it out here!! http://www.youraga.ca/
I make it to the AGA at least once a year and it is always worth a visit. The building itself is a work of art and interesting to explore. The exhibits are always changing so check the website to see what is on. Right now there is a cool photography exhibit and some contemporary art that is certainly worth seeing.
The awesomeness of your trip definitely depends on the exhibitions. While I am not a big fan of painted artwork, I love industrial and urban photography, so it was definitely the right time for me to go when works by Edward Burtynsky and Colin Smith were on display. I really enjoyed the vibe, and staff were incredibly friendly. The interior is beautiful as well, with a lot of zinc and glass. Its shapes make for great photos by themselves. I'll definitely go again, probably for other photography exhibits.