The McMichael Canadian Art Collection has announced its decision to temporarily shut its doors to the public starting from the evening of July 26 to initiate a significant redevelopment project for its building and surroundings. Situated in Kleinburg, Ontario, the art gallery is recognized as the largest Canadian institution dedicated solely to Canadian and Indigenous art. The redevelopment, led by Canadian firm Hariri Pontarini Architects, represents the first substantial investment in the McMichael site in over four decades.
As outlined on the official website, the gallery envisions a transformative redevelopment aimed at enhancing collection care, expanding exhibitions and programs, and improving the overall visitor experience. The project, set to begin construction in fall 2026 and conclude in 2029, will introduce a 60% increase in space for exhibitions, education, conservation, and public programming. Additionally, it will integrate state-of-the-art classrooms, studios, and purpose-built areas for various events, concerts, lectures, conferences, and dining.
The redevelopment initiative, which received funding support from the Ontario and federal governments along with private donations, carries an estimated total cost of $150 million. During the construction phase, access to much of the McMichael’s renowned collection will be maintained through touring exhibitions of Canadian art across the country and internationally. The gallery’s permanent collection boasts nearly 8,000 artworks, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, and Indigenous artists like Norval Morrisseau, Kent Monkman, Daphne Odjig, and Jut-Ke-Nay Hazel Wilson.
Chief Curator Sarah Milroy expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing the goal of providing Canadians with a world-class museum that reflects the nation’s diverse cultural heritage. Notably, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, nestled on 40 hectares of picturesque wooded conservation land overlooking the East Humber River Valley, originated from the generous donation of art collectors Robert and Signe McMichael in 1965. The official public opening of the “McMichael Conservation Collection of Art” took place on July 8, 1966. Additionally, the site features a unique cemetery with large chunks of the Canadian Shield serving as markers for six members of the Group of Seven, four of their spouses, and the McMichael founders.
