Hamilton is all about creativity. Whether you’re excited about visual arts, music, theatre, or film, the Hammer has what you’re looking for. This is more evident than ever during Hamilton Arts Week, which celebrates the community’s diversity of artistic expression with amazing activities throughout the city. Presented by Hamilton Arts Council in partnership with the City of Hamilton, Arts Week 2025 runs from June 3 to 12.
Nestled in the heart of the downtown core, the Art Gallery of Hamilton has been a proud symbol of the city’s artistic heritage for more than 110 years. Since its founding in 1914, the AGH has grown into the largest art museum in the region, home to a dynamic and growing collection of Canadian and international art.
With more than 11,200 pieces in its permanent collection, the AGH is home to the third largest collection in the province. More than 7,200 pieces are Canadian, including hundreds of works by Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit artists. Although the AGH is a municipal museum, its collection is of significant national and international importance both culturally and historically.
The work of regional artists is represented prominently in the Gallery’s permanent collection, and AGH Art Sales + Services supports the sale and rental of artwork by artists from Hamilton and surrounding communities. Local artists have always been central to the Gallery’s success.
In fact, the AGH’s very first exhibition in 1914 featured the work of Hamilton-born artist William Blair Bruce, who would go on to achieve international acclaim. The Gallery’s legacy is closely tied to Hamilton’s evolution as a major Canadian hub of urban, industrial, and cultural development. Today, the AGH remains a vital part of what makes Hamilton unique—an institution that belongs to and reflects its community.
For Hamilton Arts Week, we encourage everyone to visit and enjoy the magic of Canadian Art from our collection. Discover works from iconic artists like the Group of Seven, Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, Norval Morrisseau, Kim Adams, and Janice Reid, who each have pieces from our permanent collection on show. Nothing beats seeing these masterpieces in person!
The AGH is also proud to be hosting Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey, an exhibition of more than 60 works by this remarkable Canadian artist, which runs until August 31, 2025. McNicoll was an early adopter of Impressionism who was widely celebrated by critics around the world for her masterful treatment of light.
One painting in particular is garnering well-deserved attention at the exhibition: McNicoll’s The Bean Harvest – a work that was lost for more than 100 years before being rediscovered and featured on the BBC’s Fake or Fortune? television program, where the painting’s authenticity was confirmed. This is the first time The Bean Harvest has been exhibited in Canada since 1913.
Beyond the inspiring art on display, the AGH offers a peaceful retreat from the busyness of everyday life. Doctors in Canada and around the world are now prescribing visits to art galleries as a way to support mental and physical wellness. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, a moment of calm, or a break from the hustle of urban life, the Gallery is here as a restorative space for all.
Beyond Hamilton Arts Week, the AGH plays an important role in the community by hosting a wide range of valuable and affordable programming throughout the year. This includes numerous learning and wellness programs, such as YAC (Youth Arts Collective), Breaking Through the Vault Poetry Club, Dementia Friendly Days, Artful Moments, QUARTZ (Queer Art Hang), and Mindful Drawing. As well, The Gallery runs a number of programs specifically designed for children and families, including Family Fun Days, Family Camp Day, March Break Camp, Summer Break Camps, and Storytime in the Gallery.
Over the years, the AGH has been widely recognized for its award-winning programming, exhibitions, and publications. For example, the Artful Moments program, which was developed by the AGH, has received awards from the Ontario Art Gallery Association and the Ontario Museums Association for excellence.
In 2024, the AGH’s Shelley Niro: 500 Year Itch was named “Exhibition of the Year” at the GOG (Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries) Awards. The exhibition was also honoured with the Art Publication Award and the Major Curatorial Writing Award at the GOG Awards Ceremony.
In 2025, the AGH was named “Best Museum or Gallery Space” at the prestigious Canadian Venue Awards. The Gallery is more than just a place to experience art – it is an important place for community to come together and celebrate special moments in life, such as weddings, receptions, workshops, and corporate functions.
The AGH means many things to many people. For some, it’s a premier destination for experiencing exceptional visual art. For others, it serves as a place to build community and foster meaningful connections. Many value the educational opportunities offered through year-round programs, while others simply appreciate the Gallery as a peaceful refuge from the stresses of daily life.
At the Art Gallery of Hamilton, everyone is welcome. The AGH is committed to making art accessible to all, with a focus on inclusivity and community connection. Thanks to the generous support of our corporate sponsors, admission to the permanent collection on the second floor is always free, and the entire Gallery is free to visit every Thursday. In addition, residents of Hamilton and surrounding communities can borrow free family passes through their local libraries.
Proudly rooted in this vibrant arts community since 1914, the AGH continues to foster creativity, learning, and well-being. As the city comes together to celebrate the arts, we invite you to visit and discover something truly special. At the AGH, art is more than paintings and sculptures—it’s a living philosophy of wellness, personal growth, exploration, and discovery.
Come be inspired with us!
Photo credits:
Installation views of AGH Gallery Level 2, 2025.
Installation views of Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey, 2025.
