Mendel Art Gallery

The Mendel Art Gallery houses more than 7,500 works in its permanent collection, making it the largest public art collection in the province of Saskatchewan. A visit to this spacious museum is free and a must for anyone with a passion for art. Combine your excursion with a stroll through the adjacent Civic Conservatory, a greenhouse that is also owned by the city.

The Mendel Art Gallery began in 1964 with just 13 paintings. The collection was a gift to the city from Fred Mendel, a successful local businessman. Now, over half a century later, it has grown out to become Saskatoon’s premier art gallery. The museum is praised for its vast collection of Canadian art and is also known for its excellent program of touring and temporary exhibitions, which rotate at least four times a year.

See pieces by Ernest Lindner, Dorothy Knowles, Otto Rogers and Alicia Popoff in the gallery’s permanent collection. Visit the gallery on a Sunday to receive a free tour of the museum. A guide takes you past all exhibits, including temporary ones. Discover the stories behind the art in the gallery and find out how the Mendel Art Gallery has a focus on artists from the Saskatchewan area. The guide explains the importance each piece has to the community.

After you have explored the museum, enjoy an artisanal brewed coffee or snacks at the Museo Coffee and then make your way over to the Civic Conservatory next door. The botanical displays in the greenhouse are a lush mix of flowers and plants, which takes on a different character each season. The orchid, tropical plant and arid plant collections are a permanent feature.

The Mendel Art Gallery is located on the banks of the South Sasketchewan River, just outside Saskatoon’s downtown area, and can be reached by bus or car. There is free parking next to the gallery, which is closed only on Christmas Day. Check the details of upcoming events and exhibitions on the gallery’s website.