McMichael Gallery | Daniel et Daniel

In 1952, Robert and Signe McMichael purchased 10 acres of land to build a pioneer-style home that evoked a Canadian country retreat. Architect Leo Venchiarutti not only designed the original home, but all four subsequent additions. The McMichael’s began collecting works by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven and by 1960, hundreds of people were visiting their home to view the private gallery. The size and importance of the McMichael’s collection grew and by 1965, with 194 paintings, they donated their collection and their home to the Province of Ontario. In July of 1966, the “McMichael Conservation Collection of Art” officially opened.

Today, the collection is made up of approximately 5,500 artworks, includes 13 exhibition galleries, a theatre, and 100 acres of forested land that include a Wilderness Garden, paths and hiking trails and a Sculpture Garden. The permanent collection not only includes works by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, but First Nations, Metis, Inuit and other artists who have helped to develop Canadian art.

The Space

Although the collection and venue has grown considerably, one can still feel the charm of the original home with the log and barnboard walls and the fieldstone fireplaces. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection has spaces to accommodate 20 to 150 guests and is suited for any special event, whether a meeting, corporate function, wedding or reception. With spaces both inside and out, the facilities and its enthusiasm for art, culture and the environment make for a memorable event.