The McMichael Canadian Art Collection has announced its upcoming temporary closure to the public starting on the evening of July 26 to initiate a significant redevelopment project for its building and surrounding grounds. Situated in Kleinburg, Ontario, this art gallery stands as the largest Canadian museum devoted exclusively to Canadian and Indigenous art. The anticipated commencement of construction is in fall 2026 with a targeted completion date set for 2029.
Leading the redevelopment endeavor is the Canadian firm Hariri Pontarini Architects, marking the first substantial investment in the McMichael site in over four decades. The gallery has detailed on its official website a “transformative redevelopment” aimed at enhancing collection care, expanding exhibitions and programs, and enriching the overall visitor experience.
As per a recent news release, the project is slated to introduce a 60% increase in space designated for exhibitions, education, conservation, and public programming, all while upgrading outdated building systems and facilities. Additionally, the redevelopment will incorporate state-of-the-art classrooms, studios, and purpose-built areas for events, concerts, lectures, conferences, and dining.
Initial plans for the revitalization were unveiled in 2025, with the Ontario government committing up to $50 million over three years to support the initiative. Further bolstering the project, the federal government pledged an additional $25 million through its Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The overall estimated cost of the redevelopment amounts to $150 million, inclusive of private donations.
Throughout the construction phase, a significant portion of the McMichael’s renowned collection will remain accessible through touring exhibitions of Canadian art showcased both nationally and internationally. The gallery’s permanent collection boasts nearly 8,000 artworks, including masterpieces by iconic figures such as Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, and a succession of Indigenous artists who have significantly impacted the Canadian art narrative.
In a statement, Sarah Milroy, the collection’s chief curator, expressed excitement about embarking on this forward-looking journey, emphasizing the aim to provide Canadians with a top-tier museum reflecting the nation’s diverse culture, spanning across regions and time periods. The McMichael, nestled on 40 hectares of forested conservation land overlooking the East Humber River Valley, was once the private residence of art enthusiasts Robert and Signe McMichael.
In 1965, the McMichaels generously offered to donate their art collection, home, and land to the Province of Ontario. Subsequently, on July 8, 1966, the “McMichael Conservation Collection of Art” was officially inaugurated for public access. Additionally, the property features a quaint cemetery enclosed by trees, with markers made of sizable Canadian Shield rocks, serving as the final resting place for six members of the Group of Seven, the McMichaels, and several spouses of the artists.
This redevelopment initiative signifies a pivotal moment for the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, poised to elevate its offerings and facilities for a richer and more engaging visitor experience.