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
Journey of Art + Sound
A Collaborative Experience of Creativity and Healing
Tuesday, Jun 10 '25
Journey of Art + Sound is an immersive experience designed to bridge the worlds of artistic expression and healing through guided meditation, sound therapy, and interactive painting.
FascinAsian
Film Festival
May 23 May 25 '25
FascinAsian Film Festival returns to WAG-Qaumajuq with a bold and inspiring showcase of films, culture, and storytelling to celebrate Asian Heritage Month!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Jun 8 '25
Join us on the second Sunday of every month for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Bonsai Winnipeg
Where Nature Becomes Art
Jun 26 Jun 29 '25
Join Bonsai Winnipeg for a rare showcase of beautifully crafted trees by some of central Canada’s finest bonsai artists at WAG-Qaumajuq!
Opening Celebration
Abraham Anghik Ruben
Friday, May 23 '25
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the extraordinary 50-year retrospective of acclaimed Canadian artist Abraham Anghik Ruben.
Gallery Ball
Saturday, Oct 18 '25
Gallery Ball is our signature annual fundraiser and one of Winnipeg’s most celebrated benefit events.
Living Archive
With Tasha Spillet and Zilla Jones
Sunday, Jun 8 '25
Come experience the second Storytelling Workshop with Tasha Spillet and Zilla Jones in the Main Hall, inspired by the Threads of Kin and Belonging exhibition.
African Movie Festival in Manitoba
At WAG-Qaumajuq
Sep 15 - Sep 21, 2025
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of African cinema and culture during the African Movie Festival in Manitoba at WAG-Qaumajuq!
Grown Up & Little 1
Ages 4-5
Apr 12 Jun 28 '25
Grown ups will explore their creative side, while introducing their little one to the world of visual arts during this collaborative class!
Drawing & Painting 3
Ages 9-11
Apr 12 Jun 28 '25
This course gives an introduction to basic techniques and fundamental concepts that artists use to create successful drawings and paintings.
Mixed Media 4
Ages 12-15
Apr 13 Jun 29 '25
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.
Graphic Novel
Ages 9-14
Apr 13 Jun 29 '25
Love reading comics and drawing? This graphic novel class allows students to explore the art of storytelling through illustration.
Illustration (Intermediate)
Adult
Apr 10 Jun 12 '25
Discover the versatility of gouache and develop your own illustration style!
Figurative Painting (Intermediate, Oil)
Adult
Apr 9 Jun 11 '25
This class is designed for individuals who have a basic drawing and painting skill level and wish to learn the art of figurative painting using oil paints.
Oil Painting
Adult
Apr 10 Jun 12 '25
Discover the art of oil painting.
Acrylic Painting
Adult
Apr 9 Jun 11 '25
Discover the art of acrylic painting.
Intermediate Pottery
Adult
Apr 10 Jun 12 '25
For students that have taken pottery previously and are ready to move onto more advanced techniques.
Cannes Lions
International Festival of Creativity
April, May
Catch the screenings of the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – The World’s Best Ads! The works will screen at WAG-Qaumajuq with select dates in April and May.
Summer Camp: Adventures in Painting
Ages 7–11
Aug 5 Aug 15 '25
Unleash your child’s creativity in Adventures in Painting, the ultimate two-week summer camp designed for young artists, no experience necessary. Stay tuned for more details.
Summer Camp: Miniature Building & Stop Motion
Ages 7–11
Jul 21 Aug 1 '25
Kids will dive into the world of miniature model-making and learn the basics of stop-motion animation. Stay tuned for more details.
Summer Camp: Creative Costumes
Ages 7–11
Jul 7 Jul 18 '25
In this engaging camp, kids will explore the world of storytelling through costume design.
Summer Camp: Clay, Sculpture, & Pottery
Ages 7–11
Aug 18 Aug 29 '25
This hands-on camp is perfect for kids interested in exploring the world of clay. Stay tuned for more details.
Travel Tour
Namibia
Sep 30 Oct 15 '25
Join the Associates of the WAG on a Travel Tour to Namibia!
Drop-in Tours
Select Afternoons
Uncover the stories behind the art and artists with a 45-60-minute guided tour by our experienced Gallery Guides on select afternoons.
To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit
