Watch the virtual celebration here.
Design
Selected through an international competition, Michael Maltzan Architecture‘s challenge was to increase public access to the WAG’s celebrated collection of contemporary Inuit art, while respecting the context and character of the Gallery’s iconic 1971 modernist building, designed by Gustavo da Roza. Maltzan was inspired by a trip to Nunavut where the team visited Inuit communities and artists’ studios. Working with associate Cibinel Architecture, Maltzan’s design echos the ephemeral qualities of the North. Qaumajuq’s undulating white stone façade, made of Bethel Granite, hovers above the ground as if floating over the glass-filled lobby. Its abstract quality recalls the scale and carved forms of the North as well as the artwork housed within its walls.
Nutaaq Tummaqtuyuq
“big steps forward” Inuvialuktun >>> Outdoor Plaza
Come relax at the new community plaza on St. Mary Ave. You can peek inside to the Visible Vault and other spaces of Qaumajuq, and enjoy the patio in the summer months. You’ll also come face-to-face with two new outdoor sculptures: Tuniigusiia/The Gift by Goota Ashoona, commissioned by the Manitoba Teachers’ Society; and Time to Play by Abraham Anghik Ruben, commissioned by Tannis M. Richardson.
Ilavut
“our relatives” in Inuktitut >>> Entrance Hall
The first thing you’ll see, even before you enter Qaumajuq, is a three-story glass vault filled with thousands of carvings from the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. The vault’s curved walls allow you to walk around the collection and also be immersed in it. You’ll see curators, conservators, and other Gallery staff working within the vault. It’s like a town square—you come from the outdoor plaza into the entrance hall with art, a main floor shop and café, and leading you to breathtaking new gallery and learning spaces.
New Era of Accessibility
Qaumajuq’s new main entrance isn’t the only way the Gallery is opening up, the entire main floor is FREE for visitors. Admission to WAG-Qaumajuq is also FREE for all Indigenous Peoples.
Ilipvik
“a place where you can go to learn” in Inuttitut >>> The Learning Steps
The Learning Steps is a 90-seat theatre where you can take in talks, performances, films, and more. It’s also a smart classroom expanding our distance learning programs, connecting classrooms, artists, elders, and educators locally, from North to South and worldwide. A massive curtain printed with an artwork by Elisapee Ishulutaq, titled Yesterday and Today, will envelop you during screenings and private events.
Niizhwaaso
“seven” in Ojibway, in honour of the Indigenous group of seven >>> Collaborative Learning Centre
Make your way up to the second floor and discover the reading room with access to the Clara Lander Library which includes artist files, periodicals, and archives totalling over 24,000 volumes. Learn more about the space here. This research area expands on the Clara Lander Library, established in 1971.
The non-circulating collections support research activities of WAG staff and are also available to the academic community and general public. It overlooks the Learning Steps and features an outdoor terrace where you can not only hang out, but where you’ll discover artist demonstrations, performances, and more. Stay tuned!
Three New Gallery Spaces
- PIMÂTISIWIN “life and the act of living, to be alive” in Cree/Ojibway >>> Focus Gallery
- GIIZHIG / KISIK “sky, heaven, day” in Cree/Michif/Ojibway >>> Fourth Floor Gallery
- QILAK “sky” in Inuktitut >>> Main Inuit Gallery
On the third level, you will enter an intimate space called Pimâtisiwin that leads into Qilak, an 8,000-square-foot gallery dedicated to the display of Inuit art. Enormous skylights in the ceiling bring an amazing quality of light, illuminating the art and undulating walls. Keep ascending skyward to Giizhig, overlooking the main gallery.
WAG Studio
Art-making has moved up to the rooftop level of WAG-Qaumajuq! No matter your age or skill level, this new space is sure to inspire you. Join artist instructors and channel your creativity in five indoor classrooms, and two outdoor studios. From painting and pottery to carving and new media, choose from five and 10-week classes, or casual, one-night workshops (including private virtual sessions for you and your family and friends!).
Events
Drop-in Tours
April 12, 2026
Uncover the stories behind the art and artists with a 45-60-minute guided tour by our experienced Gallery Guides on select afternoons.
WAG Wednesday Nights
Comedy Show
Wednesday, May 20 '26
A comedy night about local pride, homebody habits, and discovering excitement five minutes from your house.
Plant Pot & Saucer
ClayMaker Workshop
Sunday, May 24 '26
With drainage holes and a saucer to catch any excess water, you’ll create a planter as unique as your plants!
WAG Wednesday Nights
Dance workshop and dance party with DJ Kilusan
Wednesday, May 27 '26
A free, all-ages evening of dance workshops and a DJ-led party celebrating Pride through Whaacking/Punking and Vogue Femme.
Berry Bowl
ClayMaker Workshop
Friday, Jun 12 '26
Add some whimsy to your kitchen table, and create a functional bowl to rinse your fruit.
Tumblers
ClayMaker Workshop
Sunday, Jun 14 '26
Design and build your new favourite 16oz to-go cup!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Jun 14 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of June for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Jul 12 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of June for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Aug 9 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of August for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Sep 13 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of September for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Oct 11 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of October for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Gallery Ball 2026
Saturday, Oct 17 '26
Gallery Ball is our signature annual fundraiser and one of Winnipeg’s most celebrated benefit events.
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Nov 8 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of November for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Dec 13 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of December for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
NUNAVUT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
ᓄᓇᕗᒻᒥ ᓴᖅᑭᔮᖅᑎᑦᑎᕐᔪᐊᕐᓂᖅ ᓄᓇᕐᔪᐊᕐᒥ ᑕᕐᕆᔮᒃᓴᓂᒃ
May 30 May 31 '26
Celebrating Canadian, Greenlandic, and Circumpolar films
Summer Camp: Clay, Sculpture, & Pottery
Ages 7–11
Jul 6 Jul 17 '26
This hands-on camp is perfect for kids interested in exploring the world of clay. Stay tuned for more details.
Drawing Basics (Evenings)
Adult
Jul 14 Aug 13 '26
For students with little or no drawing experience, this introduction to the fundamental techniques and concepts of drawing will sharpen observational skills and build confidence.
Digital Drawing (Evenings)
Adult
Jul 14 Aug 13 '26
Transform your drawings into digital works of art! Bring your own tablet, or use the WAG’s in our new Digital Media Lab!
Pottery (Evenings)
Adult
Jul 14 Aug 13 '26
Discover hand building, which includes slab building, slump molded forms, and throwing on the potter’s wheel.
Drawing & Painting (Teens)
Ages 12-17
Jul 20 Jul 24 '26
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Clayworks (Teens)
Ages 12-17
Jul 20 Jul 24 '26
Students will work on a series of functional and sculptural projects, using a variety of techniques to develop clay hand-building skills.
Drawing Basics (Weeklong)
Adult
Jul 20 Jul 24 '26
For students with little or no drawing experience, this introduction to the fundamental techniques and concepts of drawing will sharpen observational skills and build confidence.
Summer Camp: Adventures in Painting
Ages 7–11
Jul 20 Jul 31 '26
Unleash your child’s creativity at Adventures in Painting, Register now.
Mixed Media (Teens)
Ages 12-17
Jul 27 Jul 31 '26
Students will try out a variety of media that may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking. Encouraging creativity, projects can be layered, mixed, and occasionally take more than one class to complete.
Acrylic Painting (Weeklong)
Adult
Jul 27 Jul 31 '26
Discover the art of acrylic painting.
Pottery (Weeklong)
Adult
Jul 27 Jul 31 '26
Discover hand building, which includes slab building, slump molded forms, and throwing on the potter’s wheel.
Summer Camp: Cardboard Sculpture Creations
Ages 7–11
Aug 4 Aug 14 '26
In this hands-on, imagination-fueled camp, young artists will transform ordinary cardboard into extraordinary creations.
Graphic Novel (Teens)
Ages 12-17
Aug 10 Aug 14 '26
Love reading comics and drawing? This graphic novel class allows students to explore the art of storytelling through illustration, and an opportunity to learn more about the world of indie comics and local creators in connection with the upcoming Prairie Comics Festival.
Watercolour Painting (Weeklong)
Adult
Aug 10 Aug 14 '26
Learn the basic techniques of watercolour painting, the use and care of paints and brushes, the elements and principals of design, and colour theory.
Summer Camp: Clay, Sculpture, & Pottery
Ages 7–11
Aug 17 Aug 28 '26
This hands-on camp is perfect for kids interested in exploring the world of clay. Stay tuned for more details.
Travel Tour
Sri Lanka
Sep 27 Oct 12 '26
Join the Associates of the WAG on a Travel Tour to Sri Lanka!
