McMichael Canadian Art Collection

First of all, I have to say that the entire museum grounds are absolutely beautiful. The setting alone makes the visit worthwhile. The museum building itself feels like a work of art, especially when looking out from inside toward the surrounding forest—it creates a sense of quiet immersion, as if you’re nestled within nature. The collection of Canadian artists is excellent and thoughtfully curated, and I learned a great deal from the artworks on display. We also spent a long time walking around the grounds, where various bronze sculptures are placed throughout the park, adding another layer to the experience. Overall, this is a place where you can comfortably spend several hours. A wonderful destination for anyone who enjoys art, nature, and taking time to slow down.

Such a beautiful gallery. I have been visiting for many, many decades, since I was a child. So much beauty both inside and out. Wonderful walking trails. This is one of the most calming places I know. I hope the recently-announced renovations will not change the character of the gallery.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is absolutely stunning! I visited recently and was amazed by the depth and beauty of the exhibits. It’s not just an art gallery—it feels like walking through Canadian history. The collection highlights Indigenous history, culture, and traditions in such a thoughtful way, with incredible displays of clothing, artwork, and storytelling. Every room felt meaningful, and the paintings and artifacts helped me connect with the history on a deeper level. It’s the kind of place where you leave not only inspired by the art, but also more educated about Canada’s cultural roots. I highly recommend this museum to everyone—whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or even someone training to be a teacher. It’s both beautiful and educational, and definitely worth the visit. A true treasure in Ontario! Such a beautiful and meaningful place! I borrowed a pass from the library (a great tip if you have a card—you can get in for free!) and the visit was so smooth. The staff welcomed us right away, and inside the exhibits were breathtaking. The museum shares so much about Indigenous history, art, and culture, and every piece felt powerful and inspiring. Definitely worth visiting if you love art or want to learn more about Canada’s past. ❤️😍🇨🇦👍🏻📚

We visited the McMichael Gallery for the exhibition of Canadian artist James Morris and his Venetian cycle of paintings. The show was fairly compact but beautifully presented, with many works on loan from private collections. There was also plenty of additional material about the creation of the paintings and the artist’s biography, which made the experience even richer. The gallery itself always has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The gift shop is excellent, and I enjoy the café as well. You can also take a walk in the surrounding park - it’s easy to spend a whole day there. I usually buy an annual membership that lets me bring guests, and it’s a wonderful place to meet up with friends.

The McMichael gallery is home to a wide range of Canadian and Indigenous art including paintings by the Group of Seven, Norval Morriseau, and Kent Monkman. The galleriesare housed in a charming log cabin and lodge with incredible views of the surrounding forest. We went on an icy winter day and opted not to explore the trails around the property but it would be nice to go back on a warmer day to check them out. Lunch at Cabin was delicious and I especially enjoyed the grilled cheese sandwich. The gift shop has a very cute selection and I love the Kenojuak Ashevak 2026 calendar we bought. Just a short trip from Toronto, the McMichael is worth a visit.

For Canadian artist collection, personally I think the paintings are better than the collection in AGO. Harris's paintings are my favourite. In the basement level, there is showing Morrice's collection that you do not want to be missed. He was born in Montreal but I would personally consider him as European artist because he spends most of his life time in France, Paris where he got internationally recognition there. There is showing his work in Venice. You can see his style and technic is very different compared with local Canadian artists. I love his works so much. There is a performance hall inside the building. There was a live performance showing a soap opera version of the Carmen, a tiny scale edited from the famous Bizet's Carmen, performed by 2 actors, a pianist and a cellist. Outside of the building there are sculpture and relaxing walking path.

The grounds are well kept and place is connected to trails and gardens. The gallery houses Canadian artwork and has some unique architecture. Visited just the park area in the summer for a plein air session. Although the grounds and parking can be closed certain days you could park outside the gates and hike on in for a walk!

My wife and I had our wedding at the McMichael in the autumn of 2025, prior to the planned renovations. The leaves were just about to change colour, the entire grounds were beautiful, it was probably the best day of my life. We wanted to sincerely thank the excellent McMichael staff, especially Danielle Del Col and Angela Poletto. We did not hire a wedding planner and were quite nervous on the day of the wedding. Danielle was extremely understanding, knowledgeable, and calm while walking us through every step of the process. Her communication was consistently timely and professional. Danielle read all of my very lengthy emails with full detail! She was with us on the day of the event providing direction to other staff and resolving any issues that arose. I'm not sure what we would have done without her - every nonprofit needs a staff member like her! In short, the McMichael is a crucial part of Canada's art history with the most beautiful grounds and even better people. If you ever decide to host your corporate event, wedding, or gathering here, you are in great hands.

I went on one of the Sundays that was free (third Sunday of every month). It's great to see many Canadian art including Indigenous artwork. The staff are very friendly, and they offer tours as well. It is also very family friendly as there are family events and activities happening as well. It's nice to go on nature walks outside and see many sculptures and artwork.

The CABIN Café at the McMichael Art Gallery in Kleinburg was a delightful discovery during our visit. After exploring the gallery, sitting down to a meal here felt like the perfect way to wrap up the experience. The menu offers a mix of comfort food and creative dishes, and everything we tried was delicious. Their Cabin Cheeseburger burger with crispy kettle chips was flavorful and satisfying, and the smoked trout toast stood out as a personal favorite with its fresh and vibrant taste. Another highlight was the truffled grilled cheese was indulgent, paired beautifully with curried ketchup and pesto sauces, while the pictured avocado toast with a side of crisp salad was equally enjoyable. On another earlier visit, I tried the Tuna Nicoise Salad, a refreshing and light option, while my companion had the Chopped kale, cabbage, Beet Hummus salad, which was crisp and flavorful. To top it off, a cappuccino paired with a slice of chocolate XO cake made for a satisfying late-afternoon treat. The café's welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and stunning views from the picture windows added to the charm. Whether you're hungry after a gallery tour or just in the area, the CABIN Café is a must-visit!

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.

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!

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.

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

There was no information that the cafe would be closing early until we got into the museum and we already paid to park so we didn't want to leave. My grandmother in handicapped and can't walk well so she at least wanted to sit and they said no. They were not very nice to us either. She came all the way from Calgary and was very disappointed. Had there even been a sign or the parking attendent had said something we could have turned around, grabbed something and come back.

This is a beautiful building in beautiful grounds, and the art is pretty good too (I'm not really into Group of Seven or Indigenous Art, but it was still decent). The gallery itself isn't too big, which means you can finish it in a few hours at most. At the same time though it means the price tag ($18) is steep for what you get. There is also a cemetery where six of the Group of Seven are buried, and a sculpture garden.

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.

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!

Worth a half day of your vacation at any time of the year. Group of Seven, Milne, Emily Carr, Morrisseau, Daphne Odjig all on display today. Morrisseau brought a year to my eye. Magnificent. Similarly Thomoson, Milne, Carr ..... As I said worth a half day at least.

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.

A must visit and worth the price of admission. If you're close enough or don't mind the commute, it's also worth the price of membership. It's a place you can keep coming back to, or at least we find ourselves doing that. Inside you'll enjoy beautiful Tom Thomson and group of seven works. The McMichael showcases other Canadian and First Nations art, as well as current and upcoming talent. It is warm and inviting and has a lot of character. I always end the tour with a stop at the gift shop and have a few prints. The grounds are on forestland and make for great hikes. I've done forest walks here with my family. The structures, including the shack, as well as the sculpture garden are simply beautiful. My husband actually proposed to me at the McMichael. It's a really serene, gorgeous, and truly Canadian place that has a lot of meaning for so many couples... We've seen plenty of weddings / wedding pictures taken here and it makes a great venue!

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.

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.

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.

The McMichael is a jewel of a gallery situated well outside the urban sprawl of Toronto, and the location is beautiful. The main gallery is surrounded by lovely woodland walks and sculptures that really seem at home in the natural setting. Sadly we didn't have enough time to explore all the walks on this visit, but the gallery is equally fantastic. It's constructed in the style of a log cabin, but this is the biggest log cabin you've ever seen, extending down the hillside for at least 3 or 4 levels. The main attraction inside is the collections of the 'group of seven' and their paintings of Canadian landscapes. One of these, Tom Thomson, has a gallery all to himself. Great to see them all gathered together in one place - it really gives you a chance to compare their styles. Also on display are more contemporary works, and works by First Nations and Inuit peoples. The galleries are extremely well laid out, with easy and natural flow from one to the next; and all are disabled-friendly with access ramps between levels. A fantastic building and some wonderful pieces of art. Our visit (and a five-star rating) was only spoiled by the surly and uncooperative attitude of a member of staff in the cafe, who clearly was not interested in our business despite there being 45 minutes until closing time (a fact that she reminded us of at least twice), and gave off a general air of extreme harassment (despite there only being three tables occupied at the time) when we asked to see the menu in order to decide if there was anything that we could eat. Needless to say, we promptly left and went elsewhere, but not before filling in comment forms and complaining to the gallery manager, who apologised and informed us that the cafe was not under their control as it was out-sourced. I can't fault the gallery for the staff in the cafe, but nonetheless it's stopped me giving a full five stars to what is otherwise a fantastic place.

Went here for a private event. It was a great venue for people from out of town to visit /see art and learn a bit about Canadian art history. I enjoyed the collection and also loved the non-traditional gallery setting.

A few things I love about the McMichael Art Gallery - You can get up close and personal with the art on display - Even their more modern installations are thought provoking and eye catching - The staff are very polite and welcoming - The 200 acres of walkable green space/forest - Activities for kids and interactive displays The parking fee is $5 and the entrance for adults $18 (Seniors $15). An annual family pass for up to for children and 2 adults goes for about $95 and includes parking. For seniors that's $70 for a couple and up to 4 children. Kleinberg itself is an emerald of a city to see.

I've been coming to the McMichael for years and am shocked I have yet to offer up my thoughts on the place. To define the showcase for Canadian Art as a gallery or museum just doesn't seem to do the place justice, as the setting mirrors the artists intent of capturing Canadian vistas/landscapes in all its beauty. Nestled on a hill above the Humber River and offering gorgeous views at every turn, the buildings are themselves works of art. I grew up having the Group of Seven and Emily Carr instilled as masters of Canadian Art...and their paintings are unbelievable to behold...they magically capture the beauty of our country in ways that will inspire and move every visitor. The grounds are immaculately maintained and on my last visit a children's art camp was being conducted outside in a small clearing made in the woods. WOW...how inspiring is that ? One of the other joys of the site is that it accesses the Humber Trail...thus allowing visitors who are inclined to witness nature up close, an opportunity to walk trails through either woods or along the Humber River. The trails are easy to walk, however the slope back up the gallery can get steep and is gravel....so it may present an issue for people with mobility issues. Go and enjoy the artwork, one of the many workshops happening or explore the grounds...you won't be disappointed. They even conduct outdoor weddings on one of the hills overlooking the valley below (which in the fall paints its own art with strokes of red, orange, yellow, brown and greens). Can't say enough about this place.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is located in Kleinburg, Ontario, about 35 km north of Toronto. Even though it's a hefty drive, and even though they charge you $5 to park in their ginormous (and empty) parking lot (grumble), it's totally worth the trip. Focusing solely on Canadian art and specifically the Group of Seven, the collection is pretty vast. I thought I'd fly through, but if you really want to see everything, plan to spend at least an hour and a half. Also, it's official: my favourite Group of Seven artist is Lawren S. Harris. Swoon! Their collection of First Nations art is really good, and I very much enjoyed the totem poles and the wood masks they had on display. My only complaint is that they didn't have much in the way of descriptions about the art or the artists. I did a lot of looking, but not a lot of reading. An audio tour would be a nice addition. The McMichael is definitely one of my favourite things I've done in Toronto. A must-see. Note: they close at 4pm.

It's was our first time at the museum last winter and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Although we were expecting to see more of the Group of Seven paintings, the Guitar Project was nice treat for us and our guests. Looking forward to visiting the museum in the summer and fall.

I am a huge Group of Seven fan so when I finally got to visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection last weekend, I felt like I was going to Mecca. The gallery is big and easy to manoeuvre through, and all accessible. The main collection, the Group of Seven, occupy several rooms, along with works by Emily Carr and other Canadian painters. Apart from the Group of Seven, McMichael has a great collection of Native and Inuit art and sculptures. Current exhibitions are housed on the second and third floors. At the moment, there is a great photography exhibit about Alberta's frontier past in the 19th century and Inuit life in Alaska in the early 20th century. Nature plays a vital role in the gallery. It has not only inspired the artwork seen at McMichael, but the gallery itself is right smack in the middle of it. In each of the gallery rooms, there are windows that look out to gorgeous vistas of the Bruce Trail. There's also a sculpture garden which I hear is beautiful but sadly, the weather wasn't cooperating and we were rained out. We did see Tom Thomson's shack which was neat to see and offered a glimpse into what his life might have been like, however I don't know if a basketball can be deemed authentic as it was in plain view in one of the rooms that serve as a storage room. Hint to the McMichael: Maybe you might want to cover the windows of the storage room? Their restaurant, Seven, is nice and modern-looking, and has a nice patio that overlooks the grounds. Again, we couldn't enjoy this because of the rain. Seven does have the potential of being a nice place to eat but it felt like we were in a cafeteria. The food is hit or miss: the Spicy Steak Burger with aged cheddar was delicious but the quiche was BLAND. The prices are reasonable and they do offer a prix fixe menu that combines an appetizer, entrée and dessert for $20. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is definitely worth a visit. It's only 45 minutes away from downtown Toronto and makes for a great day trip to walk around the property. Yes, they do charge a $5 fee to park there, but that's only if you're walking the grounds. Regular admission into the gallery is $15 and open all year round.

Located in Kleinberg, about an hour outside of Toronto (think just past Canada's wonderland) is the majestic Canadian art palace of the McMichael art gallery. That assessment isn't totally off base. This gallery used to be the home of owners Robert and Signe McMichael and now houses one of the most prominent collections of Canadian art. VIBE Think of the Brady Bunch's house. It's kind of like that. There's a lot of stonework, and old mahogany woods reminiscent of a cottage country ski villa. That said, if you want to get your Group of Seven and Inuit art -on, this is the place to do it. Over 100,000 people visit the gallery each year and I'm ashamed to say this was my first time there. But it's worth it and a viable day trip for anyone, though I would recommend this as a great trip for the family. If you're into hiking there are trails and bigger hiking paths and picnic spots nearby at the Kortright Centre. Oh, and did I mention the grounds are IMMACULATE? The stone work and outdoor sculpture garden are beautiful. If you're a Group of Seven fan, the McMichael is the site of all members (excluding Tom Thomson). That said, Tom Thomson's original house is onsite and intact. SEE If you want to learn more about Canadian art and heritage, this is the place. There's over 6,000 pieces collected on the Group of Seven alone (obviously not all at once). There is also a theatre which used to be the site of the McMichael's old swimming pool and a very funky, technologically up to date totem pole. I'm not kidding: this totem pole is outfitted with an ipod, lap top and cell phone. Are we addicted to our technology much? Um, yes. OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK Mcget yourself to a Canadian treasure. Better than a happy meal. (Note to self: wow, I really need to work on my copywriting skills).

This gallery is well known for the collection of The Group of Seven. The landscape around the gallery is gorgeous as well. I came here not knowing that there is an exhibit of Mary Pratt. Wouldn't have known about this great Canadian artist if I wasn't here. Her paintings are stunning. They are so real and precise that I thought I was seeing the real objects. Her exhibition will be ended on April 27, 2014. An exhibition that shouldn't be missed!! Quoted from gallery's website - "Mary Pratt has become one of Canada's most distinguished artists, celebrated for her work with familiar subject matter and domestic still lifes. The deceptively simple bliss of these scenes reveals a sophisticated approach to everyday life. Her works are skillfully executed and present nuances of tone, brushstroke, angle and choice of subject that leave viewers of Pratt's images with a sense of wonder and occasional unease. These substantial artworks have multi-layered meanings for the artist, and for the viewers who encounter the range, subtlety and power of this remarkable painter. At once highly contemporary and deeply rooted in the traditions of art history, Pratt's work reveals the breadth of emotion, skill and maturity that she brings to her practice."

Last weekend we were in Kleinberg and decided to finally visit this gallery to see famous Group of Seven paintings. We love outdoors and visited many places in Killarney and Algonquin parks were the Group of Seven panted their landscapes. Well, we were disappointed with the collection, I am not really an art connoisseur, but to me most of the painting looked mediocre. Only the last two halls were interesting. In fact, I enjoyed private galleries at Yorkville more than this gallery that charges $18 per ticket. The best part there is the Bindertwine park that surrounds this gallery, but this one deserves separate review.

The McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg is dubbed "the spiritual home of the Group of Seven" and that really gives you an idea of what this place is all about. The gallery is as impressive as the plot on which it lies. It is a real experience going to this place. You have to make your way down a long road covered by trees to the parking area. Once you are there, you have to leave your car and walk through the grounds to the gallery which is nestled next to a cliff that leads down to the Humber River. There are different buildings around the area which you can explore and, as you walk, there are different installations that line the surrounding area. The burial ground of some of the Group of Seven is also on this site, such as the grave of A.Y. Jackson. The feel of the ground is almost that of a sanctuary, as it should be. Many of the Group lived out there old age at the McMichael. Now for the gallery. The lobby is a big open wooden and stone space with a modern take on a totem pole rising over everything. Most of the museum has a lush wood interior and it creates a very warm environment. The gallery is very impressive. When you enter the gallery you are immediately presented with powerful works by the Group. The journey through the career of these Canadian painters' work is inspiring. Little details are offered such as the pallet that Thom Thompson used to original printings of rare stencil works. There is also a theater that you can pop into and see old National Film Board movies on the Group with interviews and footage of them at work. As you make your way up a wooden rap that looks out on the woods, you move to the next level of the gallery. This level houses an enormous collection of Native and Inuit Art. There is a mix of old and contemporary Native Art which, it has been argued, directly influenced the group. Regardless, you are faced with the reality that the Group's work was inspired by the same elements that inspired the Native Art on the second level. The third level houses a collection of contemporary Canadian Art. More than a gallery that is just the spiritual home of the Group of Seven, it is almost a sanctuary of all Canadian art, showing what came before and after the artists who brought art to life in this country.

Imagine going to the Louvre, and not finding the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo! That's how we felt at the McMichael collection today. They've totally packed away their core of Group of Seven, Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, and Inuit sculptures. In their places, are two big shows of Annie Pootoogook and Alex Janvier. Both are nice and original. But they sure could have found away to keep in their core greats. We took two out-of-towners today, extollling the core, and had to disappoint them. And there's no warning on their website. Plus their Aura restaurant has become awful. Go to see Anne and Alex, but don't expect anything else.

Definitely worth the ride northwest from Toronto to see the museum's collection of works by Tom Thompson, The Group of Seven and other Canadian artists. The building itself is aesthetically pleasing, being mainly constructed of logs and fieldstone in the style of a grand lodge, and set in a forest. The setting evokes the images in many of the exhibited paintings. They offer lectures and art classes, and can be a weekend destination, especially in good weather when you can walk through the hundred acres of forest and gardens that are part of the museum. One negative is that there isn't a decent inn or b&b in or near Kleinburg. I've tried some, and all were disappointing. So, if you're in Toronto, it may just be a day trip. If you're planning to be in Toronto and visit the AGO, you should definitely make it a point to also check out the McMichael.

This is a nice, small sized art gallery located in kleinburg. It is most widely know for it's collection of the group of seven's work. Many of them lived in the area apparently, and on the property is a small cabin/ barn-like structure that one of them apparently used as a studio. The gallery itself is located in the middle of a small wooded area, which is nice to walk around in, and has a peaceful atmosphere. It's has nice pieces, but it's not the chic, upscale, high society version of an art gallery that might come to mind when one thinks of an art gallery. It's a nice place for the family. As I said, they have a large group of seven collection, but they also have other pieces. The last time I was there, they had a really nice Inuit art exhibit. It's not expensive and it's a good place to take in some art, as well as learn a bit about the history of the area. If you're in the area definitely check it out.

This place is excellent. A quintessential Canadian must-see. Kleinburg itself is really quite picturesque, and McMichael's setting here is worth the visit. The property is lush with trees and vegetation and makes for a perfect setting for the gallery (which was the home of McMichael's). The gallery features the group of seven, and additionally features a modern theme in the upper level (this year it's art through fashion - meh). The gallery layout is nice, you don't get lost, there's lots of info and audio guides so you could easily spend a half day here. The restaurant portion is quite nice and you can actually rent it out for private functions - note to future self. The gift shop is also really interesting and i found it to be very reasonably priced. My christmas cards this year will be purchased from here. Distane wise, it's not far from toronto at all if you have a car. You pay $5 for parking and $15 for gallery entrance. $30 for a family ticket. This would definitely be a good date place, place to take out of towners, something different to do on a sunday etc.

If you want to get a feel for Canadian art, this is the place to go! The permanent collection is devoted primarily to the artists known as the Group of Seven (there were actually a few more than seven of them), six of whom are buried on the grounds. Additionally, their mentor Tom Thomson is well represented along with West Coast landscape artist Emily Carr. Almost all of this oeuvre of work dates from the first half of the twentieth century. It is not as radically modernist as some works from other countries of the same period, but it has a distinctively Canadian sensibility. Very few, if any, of the works could be mistaken for art from the US, though some of Lawren Harris' work vaguely resembles Georgia O'Keefe. What stands out in this work are the cool northern colours (sometimes even in paintings of autumn foliage), the emphasis on trees, often viewed as individuals rather than landscape components, and a sense of vastness and tranquility. In general, I feel this collection of these artists' works is better than that held by the Art Gallery of Ontario. Upstairs, rotating collections focus on aboriginal art. The recent gift of 49 contemporary Northwest culture masks is absolutely amazing in its beauty and there are several Anishnabe Woodland artists represented, including the great Norval Morriseau. A fairly recent addition to the beautiful grounds is a sculpture garden containing nine striking bronzes by Ivan Eyre. Large and interesting gift shop with many Inuit carvings and lots of art books on Canadian art. Pricing is a bit steep at $18 plus $5 for parking, as this museum is not huge. However, the quality is very high. If you go and weather permits, take time to walk around the grounds, which are lovely. Trails connect with the Humber River trail (the Humber is just a little brook at this point).

It is a small collection of Canadian art and only a couple of halls really worth attention. I don't think the entry fee is justified by the quality of art exhibited there. I really liked design of the main building and old workshop on the path from the parking lot. I was told that the best part of McMichael's is the green area around the gallery... unfortunately, when we went there last week it was too cold to explore.

Wow. The McMichael is definitely not a gallery to miss, especially if you love Aboriginal and Canadian art. It's a bit of a trek up to Kleinberg but let me tell you...it is worth it!

A hidden art gem in Kleinburg! One of my favourite activities in the area with my kids is to cycle through the outdoor sculpture garden in the fall. It is located just off the main driveway. It is free by bicycle.

Phenomenal, plan to spend a few hours and return more than once if you truly want to appreciate this collection. They have even installed a children's area so mom & dad can tag team and enjoy the art. If your short on time or just want an overview take a guided tour (complimentary with your admission price) Lots to do & see, check out their web site.

I'm not a big fan of the Group of Seven, but the McMichael Collection contains a large selection of artwork from some of Canada's greatest artists. It's a bit of a journey to get there, but it's a unique experience. Again, I'm not a big fan of the Group of Seven, but I do appreciate their contribution to Canadian art. The McMichael is a fine (local) companion gallery to the AGO.