What is the cost of attending the Gallery?
Admission to the GALLERY LEVEL TWO is always free, courtesy of Orlick Industries Ltd.
GALLERY LEVEL ONE exhibitions require ticketed admission.
For a list and ticketing information about our GALLERY LEVEL ONE exhibitions, click here.
What is the cost of attending GALLERY LEVEL ONE?
Admission to GALLERY LEVEL ONE
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| Adults | | $10 |
| Students/Seniors | | $8 |
| Children (6 – 17) | | $4 |
| Under 5 years | | FREE |
| Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) | | $25 |
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AGH Members receive FREE admission to all GALLERY LEVEL ONE exhibitions.
AGH General Membership
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| Individual | | $55 |
| Dual Family | | $90 |
| Senior | | $40 |
| Senior Dual | | $70 |
| Student | | $30 |
Out of Towner
(reside 100 km outside GHA) | | $40 |
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Click here for more Membership options, or to Register on-line!
How can I purchase tickets to GALLERY LEVEL ONE exhibitions?
You can purchase your tickets to our GALLERY LEVEL ONE exhibitions on-line by clicking this 
button, in person at the Gallery’s front desk, or by calling 905-527-6610, ext. 0.
What are the Gallery’s hours of operations?
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| Monday | | Open on holidays only* |
| Tuesday | | 12:00 noon - 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday | | 12:00 noon - 7:00 pm |
| Thursday | | 12:00 noon - 9:00 pm |
| Friday | | 12:00 noon - 9:00 pm |
| Saturday | | 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | | 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm |
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*The AGH will be open holidays (12:00 - 5:00 pm), including Family Day (ON, AB, SK), Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, August Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day. However, we are closed on New Year’s Day (January 1st), Christmas Day (December 25th) and Boxing Day (December 26th).
Holiday Hours are from 12:00 - 5:00 pm.
How can I support the AGH?
You can Support your Gallery in a number of ways. Become a Member. Make an annual gift. Explore the options of Planning Giving. Individuals or businesses, the Gallery has many opportunities for you to support the vital programming it provides the community. To find out more, please contact Jocelyn McKeown at 905-527-6610, ext. 250 or jocelyn@artgalleryofhamilton.com.
I have some spare time – are you looking for volunteers?
The Gallery always welcomes volunteers and greatly values the essential support that they provide. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Docent or a Tourism Ambassador or have other unique skills to share with the Gallery, volunteers exemplify the spirit of the Art Gallery of Hamilton. To find out more, please visit our website and click on the Support AGH section. Or call us at 905-527-6610, ext. 400 and leave a message for our Recruitment Committee.
I’m organizing a special event and want a unique setting – any suggestions?
We have several suggestions for you! The new AGH will make a stunning venue for any event. Choose from the glass-enclosed Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Pavillion next to the Irving Zucker Sculpture Garden, the Jean and Ross Fischer Gallery and Community Lounge, the Board Rroom, and for very special occasions, The David Braley and Nancy Gordon Sculpture Atrium on Gallery Level Two. Whether you are planning a cocktail reception for 200 or a board meeting for 20, our excellent food and beverage services and unique settings will make any occasion truly an event.
To find out more about our Hospitality Services, please contact Jodie Faulman at 905-527-6610, ext. 234 or jodie@artgalleryofhamilton.com.
I belong to an organization that is always looking for interesting places to visit. Does the AGH organize group tours and activities?
The Gallery loves groups! We have a selection of tours and activities designed with groups in mind. In addition, we have partnered with other area attractions for a variety of day trip packages. For more information, please visit our Group Tours section or contact Vince Franco at 905-527-6610, ext. 225 or vince@artgalleryofhamilton.com.
My organization is holding a fundraiser. Can the Art Gallery of Hamilton donate money or a work of art?
The Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) is solicited daily for gifts of cash, objects and services. We recognize that there are many worthwhile organizations and individuals doing good work in our community.
The AGH is itself a registered charity; as such, we are bound by the Canadian Revenue Agency conditions regulating charitable organizations. The Gallery carries out its own charitable activities. These activities are conducted under our direction and control, and carried out by our employees and volunteers. CRA regulations are very clear as to allowable activities for charitable organizations regarding gifts of any kind to organizations and/or individuals.
We cannot provide other organizations or individuals with financial support (whether cash, goods or services, including, for example, cash sponsorships; instructors and art supplies for events; and objects from the Shop at AGH or permanent collection).
We do provide admission passes to qualified not-for-profit organizations, and give preference to organizations based in Hamilton. To request passes, please do so in writing to jocelyn@artgalleryofhamilton.com at least 3 weeks before your event. Please include your charitable registration number, if you have one. Due to the number of requests we receive each year, please note that we are not able to provide passes for each one.
How can I find complete information on Gallery exhibitions, programmes, special events... all and anything AGH-related?
Very easily! Simply visit our website and immediately access Gallery need-to-know information. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our free e-newsletter and directly receive the most current AGH information by e-mail.
How often do you change exhibitions?
We plan three seasons of exhibitions per year with openings for each one. The AGH offers a variety of historical and contemporary exhibitions that include works by regional, national and international artists. Part of our permanent collection is always on display.
What does a visit to the Gallery include?
With our newly renovated Gallery, there are many new experiences to offer. You can visit the Gallery and explore it on your own or you can participate in a guided tour with a group, get involved in one of our many public programmes, shop in our unqiue gift shop, relax in our Café and even book a space in the Gallery for a future special event.
Can I take photographs? What are the copyright policies?
Photographs are not allowed in the exhibition spaces for a few key reasons. First, the light from the flash is damaging to the paintings and works on paper. Secondly, there are copyright issues involved; the Gallery may not own the copyright to an artwork. The Shop at AGH carries many reproductions of our works. If you are looking for reproductions for use in a publication or for scholarly research, please contact our Interim Registrar.
How long does it take to look around?
On average, it will probably take about two hours to see all of our exhibitions. However, this depends on how you personally like to observe art and how long you have to enjoy your visit to the Gallery. We have over 35,000 square feet of exhibition space to explore!
Is any of the artwork for sale?
None of the works displayed in our exhibitions are for sale. They may be part of our permanent collection, the collection of an artist, from someone's private collection or on loan from another gallery. We do offer an art rental and sales service through the Shop at AGH, however, with works available by living Canadian artists.
Do you have a famous work like the Mona Lisa on display?
The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world and is housed in the Louvre in Paris, France. Because it is such a famous work, it is always shown behind glass and it is difficult to get close to appreciate its beauty. Our collection houses a highly significant selection of Canadian, American and European works that are either on display, in our vaults or on tour at any given time. Find out more in our AGH Collection section.
What is the oldest work in the collection?
The oldest work in the collection is a Greek red figured kylix from the 5th century BCE. The oldest collection of paintings is the Dutch Collection containing works executed in the 16th and 17th Century.
Why can't I touch the art, frames or sculptures?
No matter how often you wash your hands, there are still oils in your skin that will damage the art. When we are hanging or taking shows down, our prep staff (who install our exhibitions) wear cotton gloves to protect the artwork and keep contact with the artwork to a minimum. Even large sculptural works and the frames of paintings need consideration. If we didn't take such precautions, over time fingerprints would show up, soft materials would wear down and patina or faux finishes would wear off.
I am an artist interested in selling through the Shop at AGH - what are the criteria for submitting work to the Art Rental and Sales programme?
The Art Rental and Sales programme at the Art Gallery of Hamilton operates with exciting spaces ideal for showcasing the work of Canadian artists. In 2009, through its Art Rental & Sales programme and bi-annual Art Sales, the Art Gallery of Hamilton returned over $170,000 to artists. Artists receive 50% of costs related to art sales and rental. For more information, please contact our Art Rental and Sales Consultant at 905-527-6610 ext. 224, or alana@artgalleryofhamilton.com, or download our Call for Entry letter (PDF).
How can I get my work exhibited here?
Exhibitions are planned two years in advance of the actual show dates. Inspiration can come from our permanent collection, a retrospective of a national artist's career or a tie in with a community group. You may contact the Director of Programming or Curator of Contemporary Art with a proposal.
Visit our Submissions web page to learn more.
If you are interested in selling your work through our Art Rental and Sales programme, please click here.
I am curious about the value of some artwork I own. Is there someone on staff who can appraise my artwork?
As a public institution, we are not authorized to give appraisals. We can, however, assist by directing you to an appropriate appraisal service offered in the community. Please contact our Interim Registrar for information on appraisals.
Can I donate a work to the Gallery?
Yes, and thank you for your generosity. With any work that may become a part of the Gallery's permanent collection, the Acquisitions Committee will need to approve the donation. These committees include artists, an art historian, an art educator, art collectors, members of the volunteer committee, the Gallery President and C.E.O. and the curatorial staff. The committee considers the relevance of the work within the context of the existing collection. A list of criteria must also be met to ensure that a potential donation or purchase complements other works in the collection.
What is an "installation"?
An installation is a work of art or an environment made up of a number of components that can include almost anything like paintings, sculptures, videos, found objects, and furniture. Often, an installation is designed for a specific space such as a gallery and may be short-lived. Installations became popular in the 1970s with the rise of conceptualism, performance, pop and earth art.
How do you care for your works?
The gallery currently houses four large vaults that store works not in exhibitions or on view. The AGH collection consists of over 9,000 works of art, so at any given time, the majority of these are in storage. Our exhibition spaces and vaults are carefully monitored by hygrothermographs that measure temperature and humidity levels. Also, the vaults are kept dark and works on paper are stored in acid free boxes. Staff wear cotton gloves and keep handling the art to a minimum.
What is the annual budget of the Art Gallery of Hamilton?
The AGH’s annual budget is approximately $4.5 million.
What is the ratio of public/private monies in that annual budget?
About $1.5 million comes from federal, provincial and city monies. The rest the Gallery raises itself.
Who are the AGH outside partners, and why did they decide to contribute?
We have thousands of "outside partners", including 2,000 AGH Members, major corporations, all levels of government, foundations, small businesses, and individuals. In the end, the decision to give is a highly personal one. Some give for the love of art or, in the case of sponsoring an exhibition, for the love of one artist’s work, for example; others like the fact that their contribution allows the Gallery to offer low-cost or free activities for families; others believe that their show of support helps revitalize downtown Hamilton.
What is the number of annual visits to the gallery?
We currently welcome about 150,000 visitors to the Gallery – and downtown Hamilton – each year.
Why was the 2005 renovation undertaken? What was the costs/benefits?
The Art Gallery of Hamilton’s aging building leaked, endangering the Gallery’s 9,000+ Permanent Collection and limiting the types of exhibitions the AGH could host. Thanks to $18 million in funding from the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program (through the Governments of Canada and Ontario), the City of Hamilton, Dofasco, and the generous support of corporations, foundations and individuals, renovations were undertaken to stop the leaks by enclosing the building in attractive gold-coloured steel panels. This not only solved the challenge of our leaking – yet still structurally sound – building, but also provided the Gallery with an eye-catching, distinctive façade in the heart of downtown Hamilton. During the 18 months the Gallery was closed for these renovations, it held activities in off-site locations, including organizing a major off-site international exhibition called Future Cities, which it held at a former Bank of Montreal location in Jackson Square.
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