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Home » Recent posts » An Artistic Escape: The Best Free Art Galleries in Toronto

An Artistic Escape: The Best Free Art Galleries in Toronto

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Toronto is a creative hub with art galleries that cover a wide range of art forms, styles, and mediums. There are art galleries featuring contemporary art, another dedicated to classic art, and the remaining are homes to innovative, experimental art. 

Plus, many of these art galleries offer free admission! This article lists a few that you should check out.

Art Museum at the University of Toronto

Address: 15 King’s College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H7, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday—12 to 5 pm
  • Wednesday—12 to 8 pm
  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact Number: +14169781838

Website

The Art Museum at the University of Toronto is one of the largest gallery spaces for visual arts in the city, so it only makes sense to have this on your must-visit list. 

The Art Museum actually has two galleries: the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery (Hart House) and the University of Toronto Art Centre (University College). No matter which one you choose, you can easily visit the other because it’s just within walking distance.

The artwork pieces displayed in this gallery are always so thought-provoking and innovative. There are artwork pieces that play with our 3D space and others that look abstract but still capture our attention anyway. 

Pro Tips:

If you struggle with reading small texts, the exhibitions in the gallery have descriptions in larger text right next to the default description. If you’re using a wheelchair, the accessible entrances are the Croft entrance (University College) and the Tower Road entrance (Hart House).

Onsite Gallery at the OCAD University

Address: 199 Richmond Street West, Ground Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0H4, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Wednesday—12 to 7 pm
  • Thursday to Saturday—12 to 5 pm
  • Closed from Sunday to Tuesday

Contact Number: +14169776000

Website

The Onsite Gallery is another gallery that’s located within a university, and it’s definitely one you can’t miss out on. This gallery specializes in contemporary, Indigenous, and public art; they also aim to stimulate conversations on urgent issues through art. 

Because of this, the exhibitions in this gallery are always thought-provoking. Most of the time, the exhibitions tackle the topics of identity and belongingness; “Americanity” is another popular concept being explored here. 

Aside from exhibitions, the Onsite Gallery hosts all sorts of workshops sometimes. These workshops can be making art, cooking, and other activities; they’re always fun, so don’t hesitate to attend one if you can. 

Pro Tips:

Are you feeling tired? The gallery has several seats throughout the space. If you’re carrying something heavy, you can leave it at the front desk, and they will keep watch on your belongings while you explore the gallery. 

The Image Centre at the Toronto Metropolitan University

Address: 33 Gould St, Toronto, ON M5B 1E9, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Wednesday—12 to 8 pm
  • Thursday to Saturday—12 to 6 pm
  • Closed from Sunday to Tuesday

Contact Number: +14169795164

Website

If you’re more of a photography enthusiast, then you’ll love visiting The Image Centre at the Toronto Metropolitan University. This centre is mostly known for research and teaching photography, but there’s also a gallery with several exhibition spaces. 

The gallery is home to more than 400,000 photos; 292,000 are from Black Star, a company in Germany that published photos in the 1930s. Other highlights are the nearly 3,000 19th- and early-20th-century stereographic objects. 

There’s even a gallery of photos by students, so you’ll be able to see the works of young talents! 

Pro Tip:

You can go on a free tour of the gallery. From Wednesday to Friday, at 1:30 pm, you can just join the group, but if you’re planning to go on Tuesday, you need to set an appointment via [email protected]

Stephen Bulger Gallery

Address: 1356 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y2, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact Number: +14165040575

Website

Another great place for photography lovers to check out is the Stephen Bulger Gallery. Operating since 1995, this gallery contains an inventory of more than 30,000 photographs depicting a wide variety of themes, styles, and periods!

Many of the photographs are historical Canadian works, but there are also modern photos that are documentary in nature and others that are more experimental. The gallery also hosts exhibitions exploring all sorts of topics using photos. 

If you’re a collector, you can purchase a photo in the gallery’s inventory and add it to your personal collection.

Pro Tip:

If you’re interested in learning more about the art of photography, the gallery sells a large selection of trade and limited-edition photography books. 

Taglialatella Galleries

Address: 99 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C1, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday—11 am to 7 pm
  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact Number: +14168643850

Website

Taglialatella Galleries is a well-known gallery with branches all over the world, and one of them is in Toronto. This gallery covers modern and contemporary art, with its main specialization being the pop and street art movements. 

When you visit this gallery, you’ll find yourself among gorgeously vibrant paintings and awe-inspiring sculptures. Many of these artwork pieces are done by famous artists like Banksy and Andy Warhol, but there are also ones by emerging Canadian artists. 

If you want to visit this gallery, you need to set an appointment first. And if there’s an artwork that catches your eye, don’t hesitate to buy it for yourself! 

Pro Tip:

The gallery holds an annual art fair that lasts for a few days. If you’re able to, don’t miss out on it because it’s always filled with the gallery’s heavy hitters. One art fair that the gallery participates in is Art Toronto, which is held every October.

Daniel Faria Gallery

Address: 188 St Helens Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 4A1, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Friday—11 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact Number: +14165381880

Website

The Daniel Faria Gallery was founded in 2011, and it started with a small core group comprised of six contemporary artists. Now, there are more than a dozen artists featured here!

The exhibitions in this gallery are fascinating to see. A few noteworthy examples include The New Ice Age (a painting exhibition grounded in three realities) and Gaslight (an exhibition that explored the intersection of psychology, architecture, and digital space).

The gallery also participates in annual art fairs, usually held in October, so attending one when you can is another great way to expose yourself to its artistic wonders. 

Pro Tip:

The gallery publishes books featuring its artists, so if you want to learn more about any of them, you might want to check out the available books. 

Arts Etobicoke Gallery

Address (The Storefront Gallery): 4893a Dundas St W, Etobicoke, ON M9A 1B2, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Monday to Friday—9 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday—11 am to 4 pm
  • Closed on Sunday

Contact Number: +14166228731

Website 

Arts Etobicoke is a not-for-profit charitable organization that aims to improve people’s lives through the arts. They’re mostly known for offering programming in all kinds of artistic mediums for all ages, but they also have art gallery spaces.

To be more specific, there are two art gallery spaces. The Storefront Gallery features professional and emerging artists who are looking to sell their works; while the Gallery at Cloverdale Common showcases works that are provided by communities. 

No matter which gallery you choose, you’ll be able to appreciate the talents of local Canadian artists.

Pro Tip:

Aside from the galleries, Arts Etobicoke regularly hosts fun projects and events that let you create art or immerse yourself in the art of others. 

Examples of these events include art classes (for both children and senior citizens) and painting workshops. If you can, try to attend at least one of these events and let your inner artist out!

Nicholas Metivier Gallery

Address: 190 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1P1, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday—10 am to 5 pm
  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact Number: +14162059000

Website

Founded in 2004, the Nicholas Metivier Gallery is one of the largest contemporary galleries in Canada. It focuses on contemporary painting and photography and celebrates emerging artists—both local and international ones. 

Though paintings and photos are the most popular works featured here, the gallery also hosts films. If you want a more in-depth discussion regarding trends in the contemporary art scene, feel free to join the live talks sometimes hosted here.

Many works first displayed in this gallery have found homes in countless major private collections and museums. Additionally, the gallery participates in several art fairs, many of which are international, so its reach is quite wide. 

Pro Tip:

The gallery has several publications featuring their artists, so if you want to learn more about them—their lives and their works—be sure to buy one (or two). 

The Power Plant 

Address: 231 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Wednesday, Friday to Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday—11 am to 8 pm
  • Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Contact Number: +14169734949

Website

Located in the Harbourfront Centre, The Power Plant is one of the leading art galleries that’s dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Promoting Canadian artists is the priority here, but you can also find several works by international artists.  

The exhibitions here are noted for their ambitious thematic explorations. For example, Time of Change, which mapped revolutionary upheavals in the Americas, Europe, and North Africa, or Abattoir, USA, a film that tracked artistic innovations throughout history.

The Power Plant also hosts a podcast show called In/Tension. This show features thought-provoking and inspiring conversations with amazing Canadian artists; listening to it might prove insightful for anyone who loves art. 

Pro Tips:

Every Thursday at 6 pm or every Saturday at 3 pm, there will be a free 30-minute tour around the gallery. If you’re travelling with a group, it’s possible to book a group tour, but you’ll have to pay an additional fee.

Corkin Gallery

Address: 7 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact Number: +14169791980

Website

Founded in 1979, the Corkin Gallery focuses on contemporary and historical art. It houses a wide variety of artistic works, especially paintings, sculptures, photos, and installations, by both Canadian and international artists. 

Because of the extensive selection, the gallery attracts all sorts of clients, such as experienced collectors, museums, and corporations. Even if this is your first time purchasing an artwork, the gallery will make the process easy for you. 

Several events are hosted in the gallery year-round. These events range from exhibitions to art fairs, so there’s always something to look forward to!

Pro Tip:

To learn more about the life and works of the artists featured in the Corkin Gallery, purchase any of the gallery’s publications. 

Odon Wagner Gallery

Address: 196 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 1J2, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday—10 am to 5 pm
  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact Number: +14169620438

Website

The Odon Wagner Gallery has been around since 1969, housing some of the finest contemporary and modern art in Canada. Paintings are the most commonly displayed here, but you can also find several sculptures. 

When you’re visiting this gallery, don’t miss the opportunity to attend any of its exhibitions. Most of the exhibitions feature works by local artists, but there are also others that explore the life and works of past artists like Pablo Picasso. 

Aside from putting art pieces on display, the gallery also offers a wide variety of services. For example, if you have an old painting, you can book a restoration service, or if you’re in need of a new frame, you can get new fine art framing here. 

Pro Tip:

The Odon Wagner Gallery participates in Art Toronto, so if you can, attend the fair and be on the lookout for the gallery’s artwork pieces. Art Toronto is usually held in October every year. 

The Cardinal 

Address: 1231 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M6H 2H1, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Thursday to Sunday—12 to 5 pm
  • Closed from Monday to Wednesday

Contact Number: +14165751116

Website

At first glance, The Cardinal may not seem like much; it’s housed inside a restored storefront of a historical building, so it’s easy to overlook it. But don’t overlook it, for inside holds a gorgeous world of fine art photography. 

Most of the works here are done by beloved photographers, such as Diana Bloomfield and Osheen Harruthoonyan. Some works are available on sale, so if you find one that you like, be sure to snag it as soon as possible!

The exhibitions are also worth checking out. A few examples of past exhibitions (that are still amazing) are Floating (an exploration of space, environment, and psychology) and One Fine Day (an exhibition featuring mundane moments of everyday life).

Pro Tip:

Aside from putting artwork pieces on display, The Cardinal also offers custom framing services (if you want a new beautiful frame for your photo or artwork) and event space rentals (if you need a venue for your event). 

Sandra Ainsley Gallery

Address: 100 Sunrise Ave Unit 150, North York, ON M4A 1B3, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday—11 am to 5 pm
  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact Number: +14162149490

Website

Have you never heard about glass art? Well, now is the time to rectify that by visiting Sandra Ainsley Gallery, aka one of the leading contemporary glass galleries in all of North America! 

Founded in 1984, this Toronto-based gallery represents over 60 artists who work primarily in glass. Some of these artists are internationally renowned, such as Dale Chihuly, Manolo Aguilera, and Toots Zynsky. 

Another great thing about the gallery is that the warehouse space features high ceilings and dramatic lighting, which makes the glass sculptures stand out. Walking around the gallery feels like walking in a vibrantly colourful glass world.  

Pro Tip:

The gallery has several archived virtual tours and talks on its website. Now, you can watch them at your own pace and from the comfort of your home!

Gallery Arcturus

Address: 80 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5B 1G6, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday—12 to 5:30 pm
  • Closed on Sunday and Monday

Contact Number: +14169771077

Website

Funded and operated by The Foundation for the Study of Objective Art, Gallery Arcturus is a not-for-profit education centre that aims to promote art. It also has an exhibit space that features contemporary artwork pieces. 

Every exhibition is curated using pieces from the gallery’s collection, but sometimes, works by new artists are featured here as well. Some of the artists represented here include Norman Allan, Elaine Ling, Andrea Maguire, and Larry Middlestadt.

The gallery also has several publications available if you want to learn more about contemporary art. 

Pro Tip:

Tired of walking around the gallery? You might want to head to the library and rest for a while there. 

Cooper Cole

Address: 1134 Dupont Street and, 1136 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M6H 2A2, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Thursday to Saturday—12 to 6 pm
  • Closed from Sunday to Wednesday

Contact Number: +14165318000

Website

Established in 2011, Cooper Cole is an art gallery that features contemporary artwork by Canadian and international artists at emerging, mid-level, and established levels of their careers. 

There are two gallery spaces here, hosting up to 15 unique exhibitions a year. Some of the past exhibitions include Gravity Model (tackling the topic of change and evolution in our lives) and Nature Mart (exploring the connection between humans and nature). 

This gallery isn’t just a place to browse various pieces of artwork; if there’s something that catches your eye, you can actually purchase it for yourself!

Pro Tip:

The staff at Cooper Cole tries their best to provide accessibility to disabled visitors. 

But if the space doesn’t meet your specific accessibility needs yet you still want to visit the gallery, you just have to send an email to [email protected]

401 Richmond

Address: 401 Richmond St W Studio 111, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Monday to Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
  • Closed on Sunday

Contact Number: +14165955900

Website

401 Richmond is widely known for being a warehouse building with a long history; it was constructed between 1899 and 1923 as part of the Macdonald Manufacturing Company. But now, it’s become a hub that celebrates arts and culture. 

The building has all sorts of tenants inside, and when it comes to galleries, you can find 15 of them. Two popular galleries are A Space Gallery, which is run by multi-disciplinary artists, and Band Gallery, which showcases the talents of Black artists in Canada. 

Aside from all these galleries, 401 Richmond sometimes becomes a site for different artistic events and exhibitions. There are even fun interactive events like an artistic treasure hunt; it’s such a fun activity, perfect for families! 

Pro Tip:

401 Richmond has a rooftop garden with quite a lot of space and seating. So, if you’re tired of roaming around and you just want to breathe in the fresh air, that’s where you should go. 

Bau-Xi Gallery

Address: 1384 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6H 4C8, Canada

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 5:30 pm

Contact Number: +14169770600

Website

The Bau-Xi Gallery was first established in Vancouver in 1965, and over time, it has spread to several more locations, two of which are in Toronto. Generally speaking, this gallery’s main purpose is to support and promote the works of Canadian artists. 

The gallery has grown throughout the years, and in 2018, it acquired the Canada House Gallery, which houses even more artwork pieces. Because of this, you’ll find a wide variety of works here—from contemporary paintings to sculptures and photography.

In addition to housing artwork pieces, the gallery offers several services as well. For example, you can book them for art consultation (they’ll help you start your art collection) or art rental (if you want to borrow an artwork for your event). 

Pro Tip:

If you’re planning to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), then you should visit the Bau-Xi Gallery on Dundas Street instead of the one on Dufferin Street. This is because the gallery on Dundas Street is literally right across AGO.

Art Gallery of Ontario

Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday and Thursday—10:30 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday and Friday—10:30 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Closed on Monday

When It Is Free: Every Wednesday, from 6 to 9 pm

Contact Number: +14169796648

Website

The Art Gallery of Ontario is the ultimate destination for art lovers. One of the biggest art galleries in North America, AGO houses more than a whopping 120,000 artwork pieces—from significant works by Indigenous people to contemporary art!

The main collection is the highlight of the gallery. In this collection, you can find works by established and emerging Indigenous Canadian artists, as well as cutting-edge contemporary art and European masterpieces. 

There are also a wide variety of exhibitions, with themes changing every so often. A few examples of past exhibitions include Re-Mixing African Photography: Kelani Abass, Mallory Lowe Mpoka, and Abraham Oghobase and Cities in Flux.

Pro Tip:

If you’re hungry, there are two dining spots inside the gallery: the Espresso Bar and the AGO Bistro. The bistro has different menus for lunch, brunch, and dinner.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Address: 158 Sterling Rd #100, Toronto, ON M6R 2B7, Canada

Operating Hours

  • Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
  • Friday—11 am to 9 pm
  • Closed on Monday and Tuesday

When It Is Free: Every Friday, from 5 to 9 pm

Contact Number: +14165302500

Website

Aside from being a museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is also an art gallery, and it’s a must-visit for people who are interested in the contemporary art scene. 

MOCA primarily hosts works by Canadian artists, but you can also find a slew of works by contemporary artists from all over the world. There are interesting exhibitions here as well; some cool ones featured here are The New Alphabet and Remediation

If you want to learn more about contemporary art, you can also join any of the free workshops. There are even events that welcome kids, so you can bring your whole family if you want.  

Pro Tip:

If you can afford it, you might want to donate to MOCA. The gallery will use any funds they receive to deliver exceptional and accessible contemporary arts programming.