An art-filled long weekend

Wondering what to do this August long weekend? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or having a staycation, pop by the AGO to see fantastic art. We’re open all weekend long. Below are highlights of what's on for you to enjoy:

Rebecca Belmore: Facing the Monumental

The solo exhibition is Belmore’s largest ever and includes art The New York Times called “striking and provocative.” For over three decades Belmore’s works – in video, sculpture and photography – have tackled topics such as violence against Indigenous people, water issues, climate change and homelessness. The AGO’s exhibition is powerful and poetic – and this long weekend is the perfect time to check it out.

Tunirrusiangit: Kenojuak Ashevak and Tim Pitsiulak

Located in the Sam & Ayala Zacks Pavilion, this dazzling exhibition celebrates the artistic legacy of “the grandmother of Inuit art” Kenojuak Ashevak and her nephew Tim Pitsiulak, one of the most sought-after contemporary Inuit artists in his lifetime. A team of Inuit artists and curators led the exhibition’s development and wove first-person narratives, storytelling, poetry and film throughout, giving the exhibition a contemporary lens. Closing August 12, don’t miss it!

J.S. McLean Centre for Indigenous & Canadian Art

Check out the new J.S. McLean Centre for Indigenous & Canadian Art. The Centre features over 75 works by Indigenous and Canadian artists (such as Joyce Wieland, an image of Wieland's work appears at the top of this story), organized thematically to spark conversations between artists and across time. It features a new Indigenous art gallery as well as galleries for solo exhibitions, where right now you can see works by Toronto-based artist June Clark, Anishinaabe artist Nyle Miigizi Johnston, and soon, Inuit artist Jesse Oonark.

Photography: First World War, 1914–1918

Did you know that the AGO has nearly 500 photographic albums from the First World War in our collection? Located on Level 1, Photography: First World War, 1914-1918 highlights new military uses for photography – like aerial views, which were classified at first – as well as snapshots by soldiers during the war. This first of two exhibitions highlights rare and intimate views from all sides of the conflict.

Käthe Kollwitz: Art and Life

Get acquainted with the deeply moving work of Käthe Kollwitz, a leading 20th century German artist renowned for her etchings, lithographs, woodcuts, sculptures and drawings. The AGO is home to one of the largest Kollwitz collections outside of Germany. Käthe Kollwitz: Art and Life is the first of three exhibitions devoted to the artist. And just like all of the exhibitions listed here, it’s free with AGO General Admission.

Jack and the Jack Paintings: Jack Goldstein and Ron Terada

In the Signy Eaton Gallery on Level 2, we’re showing 14 of Terada’s large-scale text-based paintings for the first time. The impressive artworks reflect episodes from Chapter 11 of Goldstein’s memoir, Jack Goldstein and the CalArts Mafia. The works are presented beside Goldstein’s sublime photorealistic image of a lightning storm. Find out why here.

To make it easy to plan your visit, here are the AGO’s hours for the August long weekend:

Friday, August 3                      10:30 am – 9 pm

Saturday, August 4                  10:30 am – 5:30 pm

Sunday, August 5                    10:30 am – 5:30 pm

Monday, August 6                   10:30 am – 4 pm

Hope to see you this weekend!

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The installation of the AGO’s Indigenous and Canadian Collection is generously supported by:

Andrew & Marianne Guizzetti
Robert Harding & Angel Yang
The McLean Foundation