National Gallery Of Canada

I couldn’t even finish the floor with the Canadian works. So many phenomenal works of art. What a treasure! Go explore and enjoy.

Got the “insiders” tour…hit up the favorites. My personal favorite was 40-Part Motet.

First off, they rebuilt an old chapel inside the gallery. That’s it’s own separate piece of art. But inside the chapel, they have 40 speakers set up around the perimeter on stands to be about the height of the head of a person. They play a recording of a choir singing a 40-part motet, a separate mic on each vocalist.

It was really interesting just to wander around the room and hear the isolated individuals, then come to the middle and hear the group.

I used to be a music major, so the music part of the installation appealed. But probably the best part was the recorded time before and after the singing. The little noises from people…coughing, whispers, warming up. You feel a bit like you’re spying on someone’s past. Captivating.

The Group of Seven paintings are worth the price of admission alone.

I was here for the Renaissance exhibit July 2005 and enjoyed it very much.

I did not know you could get cheered for having gone somewhere. Thanks Aleem!

Not too long ago, this gallery was free to see the permanent collection. In those days, I would go during my free period in high school or wonder the gallery in the summer after a stroll in the market. It was often quite empty, and it would be very relaxing to go to especially on a hot day or even a rainy one. They also have a really nice gift shop.

One of Ottawa’s best attractions. Too bad that now I can only get in free on Thursdays after 5PM.