A monument to Milne
Celebrate the reopening of the AGO’s David Milne Centre, showcasing the personal archives and signature style of an iconic Canadian artist.
Have you visited our David Milne Centre? Tucked into a quiet corner near the Marvin Gelber Print & Drawing Study Centre, this space originally opened in 2012 after the AGO received a generous gift from the Milne family in 2009. Featuring items from the personal archives of Canadian painter and printmaker David Milne – including sketches, watercolours, photographs, letters and diaries that reveal Milne’s daily routine, his relationships, his fascination with nature and his creative struggles – the Centre has recently reopened after a round of refreshing renovations.
These updates allow more of Milne’s art to be on view. Pop into the two-floor space and get an up-close look at his personal archives. Learn how he experimented with paint to develop an innovative style that was unique in North America – and why he would eventually be recognized as one of Canada’s most compelling painters.
With more works on display, visitors are encouraged to follow the timeline of his 50-year career from the 1900s to the 1940s through geographical groupings. Witness the evolution of his painting style beginning with his time spent living in Bruce County, Ontario into the exciting years he spent in the metropolis of New York before returning to his rural roots in Palgrave, Ontario.
The Centre also offers a space to sit and peruse Milne’s work. Try your hand at an origami activity inspired by sketches in Milne’s letters to his son. With book-lined shelves, drawers of archives and a lovely seating area, you might even spend your whole AGO visit here!
Want to learn more? There are a number of videos on view, including Canadian artist Sara Angelucci’s 2014 choral performance of A Mourning Chorus. Take a closer look at Milne’s work Attic in this behind-the-scenes video taken in our Michael and Sonja Koerner Centre for Conservation,also on view in the space.
Admission to the AGO Collection and all special exhibitions is always free for AGO Members, AGO Annual Pass holders and visitors 25 and under. For more information, please visit the website.
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The David Milne Centre is generously supported by the Ivey Foundation and Richard M. Ivey.
Additional financial assistance provided by the Government of Canada Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.