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
Ceramic Bags
ClayMaker Workshop
Friday, Mar 13 '26
Create a ceramic bag to hold your flowers, kitchen utensils, toothbrush, or simply use it to brighten up your desk or shelf!
BPM x WAG-Qaumajuq
Performances by Azanti, Dr Henry Band, DJ Delulu
Friday, Feb 20 '26
February is Black History Month, and to celebrate, Manitoba Music and WAG-Qaumajuq are sharing a night of music presented through BPM | Black Professionals in Music on February 20.
Decolonizing Lens
Screening
Friday, Feb 13 '26
Presented by The Decolonizing Lens, join us at WAG-Qaumajuq for a FREE screening of Remaining Native.
Travel Tour
Sri Lanka
Sep 27 Oct 12 '26
Join the Associates of the WAG on a Travel Tour to Sri Lanka!
WAG Wednesday Nights
Featuring Rayannah
Wednesday, Feb 25 '26
Come and experience the night with Rayannah.
WAG Wednesday Nights
Meet Bîstyek + film screening
Wednesday, Feb 18 '26
This edition of WAG Wednesday Nights features artist Bîstyek and a screening of When I Go Outside.
WAG Wednesday Nights
we tend to care panel discussion
Wednesday, Feb 11 '26
We tend to care: artist & curator conversation with Carrie Allison, Franchesca Hebert-Spence & Marie-Anne Redhead
WAG Wednesday Nights
Artmaking with Helga Jakobson
Wednesday, Mar 25 '26
Artmaking with Helga Jakobson
WAG Wednesday Nights
a warm, soul-stirring evening where music and poetry come together
Wednesday, Mar 18 '26
a warm, soul-stirring evening where music and poetry come together
WAG Wednesday Nights
Writing home with Sage Broomfield
Wednesday, Mar 11 '26
Writing home with Sage Broomfield
WAG Wednesday Nights
An evening with Dr. Sherry Farrell Racette
Wednesday, Mar 4 '26
An evening with Dr. Sherry Farrell Racette
SOLD OUT: Couples Wheel Throwing & Photoshoot
ClayMaker Workshop+
Monday, Feb 16 '26
Celebrate Valentine’s day by recreating the iconic pottery scene from the 90’s film “Ghost”!
NOURISH
Signature Dinner & Tour
Saturday, Feb 14 '26
Enjoy our signature dinner & tour program this Valentine’s Day, featuring a delicious three-course meal in our Skylight Gallery followed by an inspiring love-themed tour in the exhibition galleries.
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!
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, 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!
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, 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, 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, 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, May 10 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of May for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Apr 12 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of April for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
Canada Life
Free Sundays@WAG
Sunday, Mar 8 '26
Join us on the second Sunday of March for free admission to WAG-Qaumajuq and more family fun, thanks to Canada Life!
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.
Summer Camp: Adventures in Painting
Ages 7–11
Jul 20 Jul 31 '26
Unleash your child’s creativity at Adventures in Painting, Register now.
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.
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.
Spring Camp – Cardboard Sculpture Creations
Ages 7-11
Mar 30 Apr 2 '26
Big ideas start with cardboard! Campers explore 3D design, construction, and collaboration through imaginative builds, wrapping up the week with a gallery-style showcase.
Sign up today and let creativity take shape.
SOLD OUT: Couples Wheel Throwing & Photoshoot
ClayMaker Workshop+
Saturday, Feb 14 '26
Celebrate Valentine’s day by recreating the iconic pottery scene from the 90’s film “Ghost”!
Mixed Media
Adult
Jan 14 Mar 18 '26
Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike, this Mixed Media class encourages experimentation with a wide range of materials—such as paint, ink, collage, stencils, fabric, textured papers, and found objects.
Beginner Acrylic Painting
Adult
Jan 12 Mar 23 '26
Discover the art of acrylic painting.
Life Drawing (Intermediate)
Adult
Jan 13 Mar 17 '26
Using a variety of drawing materials, you will work from a model and learn about proportion, foreshortening, and other fundamental techniques for drawing the human form.
Figurative Painting (Intermediate, Oil)
Adult
Jan 14 Mar 18 '26
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.
Intermediate Pottery
Adult
Jan 14 Mar 18 '26
For students that have taken pottery previously and are ready to move onto more advanced techniques.
Digital Drawing
Adult
Jan 15 Mar 19 '26
Transform your drawings into digital works of art! Bring your own tablet, or use the WAG’s in our new Digital Media Lab!
Oil Painting
Adult
Jan 15 Mar 19 '26
Discover the art of oil painting.
Grown Up & Little 1
Ages 4-5
Jan 10 Mar 21 '26
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
Jan 10 Mar 21 '26
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
Jan 11 Mar 22 '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.
Illustration (Intermediate)
Adult
Jan 13 Mar 17 '26
Learn the basics of this versatile and expressive art form while improving your drawing skills. Tell your story in pictures, develop and design your own characters, create textures, and depict gestures. The end result is a self-produced picture book.
Cannes Lions
International Festival of Creativity
Dec 19 '25 Mar 19 '26
Catch the screenings of the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – The World’s Best Ads! The works will screen at WAG-Qaumajuq with select dates December through March.
Maada’ookii
Indigenous Language Tours
Saturday, Jan 10 '26
Join us for a new monthly program: Maada’ookii: Indigenous Language Tours
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.
We hope you enjoy your visit to WAG-Qaumajuq! See our tips for visiting.
