Visiting art galleries: hours, free days and etiquette

Know what kind of place you are walking into

The word “gallery” covers very different places, and knowing the type tells you what to expect at the door.

• Public galleries and museums keep collections, usually charge admission and offer free times. Nothing on the walls is for sale.
• Commercial galleries are businesses that sell art. They are free to enter, and you are never obliged to buy.
• Artist-run centres are non-profit spaces run by artists, showing contemporary and experimental work. Usually free.
• University and municipal galleries are run by a campus or a city and are usually free.
• Co-ops are run by member artists who often staff the desk themselves.

Our guide to types of art galleries explains each in more detail, and every listing in our directory shows its type, hours and admission.

Typical hours

Hours vary, so always check the listing before you go, but some patterns hold:

• Museums often close one weekday. The Art Gallery of Ontario and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts close on Mondays. The Vancouver Art Gallery closes on Tuesdays instead.
• Museums stay open late one or two evenings a week. The AGO is open until 9 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, the MMFA until 9 pm on Wednesdays, the National Gallery until 8 pm on Thursdays, and the Vancouver Art Gallery until 8 pm on Fridays.
• Commercial galleries and artist-run centres keep shorter hours. Many open roughly Tuesday or Wednesday to Saturday, often from late morning or midday, and close Sundays and Mondays. Small spaces may open only a few afternoons a week, or by appointment.
• Between exhibitions, small galleries often close for a week or two to install the next show.
• Holidays change everything; museums usually post a holiday schedule.

Free admission patterns

Many institutions offer free entry at set times or for certain groups. A few current examples:

Commercial galleries, artist-run centres, co-ops and most university galleries cost nothing to enter. To find them, use the free filter on a city page, such as free galleries in Toronto.

Openings and vernissages

An opening, often called a vernissage, especially in Quebec, is the first-evening party for a new exhibition. At commercial galleries and artist-run centres, openings are usually free and open to the public; you do not need an invitation unless the listing says so. Expect a crowd, the artist in the room, and sometimes drinks.

A few habits make you a welcome guest:

• Look at the work, not just the people.
• Say hello to the artist; a sincere sentence about the work is always appreciated.
• Do not stand with your back against the art or rest a glass near it.
• If you want a real conversation with the gallerist about buying, come back on a quiet weekday.

Photography

Rules differ, so look for signs or ask at the desk. The MMFA’s policy is typical of large museums: personal photos are fine, but flash, video, tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. Small galleries may ask you not to photograph certain works, especially work on loan.

When you post a photo, credit the artist and the gallery. It is a small courtesy that helps artists be found.

Visiting with children

Children are welcome in most galleries, and many museums run family programs. The MMFA, for example, admits families free to its collection on Saturday mornings. Some practical points:

• Hold hands in small rooms and remind children not to touch, even sculptures that look sturdy.
• Strollers are usually fine, but large ones may not be. The MMFA allows standard strollers and front-facing carriers but not jogging strollers or back carriers.
• Museums often ask you to check backpacks and large bags, and some do not allow ink pens; bring a pencil for sketching.

Accessibility

Large public galleries are generally accessible; the MMFA, for instance, says all its pavilions, including galleries, restrooms and elevators, are wheelchair accessible. Small commercial galleries and artist-run centres are often in older buildings, where a step or a narrow stair can be a barrier, so call or email ahead. Ask about seating, quiet hours, large-print texts and service animals if you need them. Some museums admit caregivers free; the Vancouver Art Gallery does.

Asking prices without buying

In a commercial gallery, prices are often on a price list at the front desk rather than on the wall. It is completely normal to ask, “Is there a price list?” or “Could you tell me about this piece?” Gallery staff talk to far more browsers than buyers.

• A red dot beside a work means it has sold. A half dot can mean it is on hold.
• “Price on request” simply means ask.
• You can ask whether a work is available in another size or edition, or whether the artist has smaller pieces.
• You do not need to explain why you are not buying. A simple thank you is enough.

If you are thinking about buying, our guide to how artists price their work explains what goes into the number.

Basic etiquette

• Do not touch the art, the frames or the plinths, unless a sign invites you to.
• Keep a step back from the work and watch your bags.
• Keep phone calls outside and the volume low.
• Sign the guest book if you enjoyed the show; artists read them.