Over seven thousand artworks. That’s the staggering number housed within the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Right here before us stands this incredible museum. A testament to Canadian art and its history.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection isn’t just a building. It’s a story. A story that began in 1955 with Robert and Signe McMichael. They started collecting works by artists associated with the Group of Seven. They displayed their growing collection at their home in Kleinburg. Their passion was infectious. It soon turned into something far greater than they imagined.
In 1965 a remarkable agreement was reached. The McMichaels generously donated their collection and their Kleinburg property to the Government of Ontario. This act of generosity established the McMichael Conservation Collection of Art. It officially opened to the public in 1966. The museum’s name changed to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in 1972.
But the McMichael story isn’t solely about the Group of Seven. The museum’s mandate expanded. It now includes contemporary Canadian art and art from Indigenous Canadians. It’s a diverse and vibrant collection. It reflects the rich tapestry of Canadian artistic expression.
Think of the iconic landscapes. Tom Thomson’s brushstrokes capturing the untamed beauty of Algonquin Park. The bold colours of the Group of Seven. Their works depict the raw power of the Canadian landscape. These masterpieces are preserved here. They’re displayed for generations to admire.
Beyond the Group of Seven the McMichael boasts works by significant Indigenous artists. The collection also showcases Inuit art. It houses the archives of works on paper by Inuit artists based in Kinngait. The McMichael wasn’t always so inclusive. There were legal battles and shifts in focus. But ultimately the museum’s mission evolved to encompass the broader spectrum of Canadian art.
The grounds themselves are a work of art. The McMichael sits on 100 acres of stunning woodland. The Humber River Valley provides a breathtaking backdrop. The McMichaels planted over 500 cedar trees. They helped recreate the landscapes painted by the Group of Seven. The property includes the main building a sculpture garden walking trails and even a cemetery. Six members of the Group of Seven are buried there. Their legacy continues to inspire.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection isn’t just a museum. It’s a living legacy. A celebration of Canadian creativity. It’s a place where history art and nature intertwine. It offers an immersive experience. It’s an experience you won’t forget.