The Winnipeg Art Gallery is one of Canada's eminent art museums. Founded in 1912, it was the nation's first civic gallery, and remains the foremost gallery in the prairie provinces. The present gallery building, triangular in shape and constructed of Manitoba Tyndall stone, was opened in 1971. In addition to eight exhibition galleries, the building contains a 320 seat auditorium, an elegant penthouse restaurant overlooking the rooftop sculpture garden, a library, and extensive meeting and lecture space. In addition to art books and posters, The Gallery Shoppes carry jewelry, ceramics, and glassware handcrafted by Canadian artists. The adjoining Studio Program building houses 5,500 square feet of classroom space. The Gallery's collection includes over 20,000 works of art ranging from 16th century Flemish tapestries to 20th century videos. Although the emphasis is on the collection of Canadian and Manitoba artists, the Gallery holdings include extensive European works as well. The WAG also proudly houses the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. The Gallery mounts approximately 25 exhibitions a year, many of which tour nationally and internationally, establishing the reputation of Canadian artists throughout North and South America and Europe. The WAG also hosts touring exhibitions, bringing international artists to the notice of Winnipeg art lovers.

From the Winnipeg Art Gallery's permanent collection