The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is home to some of Canada's most cherished works of art. From traditional landscapes to bronze-cast abstract art, this collection of over 7,000 pieces celebrates the diversity and artistic heritage of the nation and its people.
Occupying roughly four hectares of conservation land on the traditional lands of the Ojibwe Anishinaabe Indigenous people, the gallery features a wide range of Canadian artists, including the Group of Seven paintings and work by Indigenous, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists who have contributed to the development of Canadian art.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection | Central Counties
How to get to The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Location: 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg
By car: The gallery is located in Kleinburg, approximately 10 minutes drive west of Highway 400. Paid parking is available.
By transit: Toronto Transit (TTC) provides subway service to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station. Take the 361 bus via York Region Transit to Islington Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive.
By bike: Bicycle racks are available at the gallery entrance.
Know before you go
The gallery at McMichael is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Purchase tickets online or at the admission desk onsite. Tickets are not transferable or refundable.
Visitors can use a cloakroom and locker room. Skateboards, rollerblades and scooters are not permitted.
Things to do at The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Discover more activities and experiences.
Enjoy Canadian art
Explore the collection of over 7,000 artworks by the Group of Seven and First Nations artists. It’s also home to works on paper from the Inuit community of Cape Dorset.
Develop your own art style
Expand your creativity with artmaking events, including lectures, tours, concerts, workshops and classes.
Shop for merchandise
Find Indigenous art, exhibition merch, one-of-a-kind artisan items and more at the McMichael Art Gallery Shop.
Tour outdoors
Follow nature trails on the grounds to view outdoor sculptures in the Ivan Eyre Sculpture Garden and admire maple, oak and pine tree stands.
Fuel up on great food
Enjoy a hearty meal at CABIN, the onsite restaurant featuring delicious dishes and furniture and objects by Canadian craftspeople.
Meet local artists
Browse for new and unique artwork at the Autumn Art Sale, an annual event featuring the works of local artists.
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Interesting facts about the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
In 1952, Robert and Signe McMichael, the founders of the McMichael art museum, built their home on a 1.5-hectare plot of land. Over time, they became enamoured with the surrounding landscape and the art it inspired.
By 1965, the McMichaels’ private collection contained 194 pieces of artwork from Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. Realizing they had a duty to preserve this treasure trove of Canadian art, they generously gave their collection to the province of Ontario, along with their home and surrounding land. Today, the gallery showcases over 7,000 priceless works of art.
Robert and Signe McMichael, as well as six members of the Group of Seven have been laid to rest in the McMichael cemetery.
Last updated: July 10, 2024