Gallery Guidelines

These tips and explanations will allow you to make the most of your visit to the McMichael.

Please do not touch the artwork. Keep a safe distance of 1 m (39 in.) between you and the works of art. Please do not run in the Gallery spaces. We ask that you keep your voices to a conversation-level to respect the experience of other guests and groups.

Visitors may carry one bag, such as a purse. Bags cannot be carried on your back. Bags, knapsacks, briefcases and parcels larger than 45 x 40 x 15 cm (18 x 16 x 6 in.) are not permitted in the galleries; please leave such items at home or in your vehicle. Storage lockers are available in the cloakroom located at the main entrance in the Grand Hall. All bags entering or leaving the Gallery are subject to inspection by Security staff.

The McMichael allows photography for personal use only, and only where indicated. There will be signs in each gallery to let you know whether photography is allowed, and if in doubt, please feel free to ask one of our Guides. We ask that you respect the rights of artists and their representatives under Canadian copyright law. For more information on Canadian copyright law, visit http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-42/.

Review our Photography Guidelines.

Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries. Sealed water bottles and baby bottles are allowed into gallery spaces but must be consumed in designated water break spots positioned outside of the gallery spaces.

Pets are not permitted in the Gallery, but you are welcome to enjoy the grounds with your animal.

Visitors or third parties with disabilities are welcome to bring service animals into all public areas of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

Service animals may assist individuals with various disabilities, including but not limited to vision loss, physical disabilities, hearing loss, autism, epilepsy, etc. While dogs are the most common service animals, the McMichael acknowledges that other animals may also serve this purpose.

Visitors may be asked to provide documentation from a regulated health professional (such as a physician or nurse) confirming that the animal is required due to a disability. Please note that service animals are not considered pets—they are working animals that assist with daily tasks, much like mobility aids such as canes or wheelchairs. As per McMichael policy, pets are not allowed inside the gallery or restaurant areas.

The McMichael understands that special circumstances may arise and will make every effort to accommodate individual needs, while prioritizing the safety of visitors, service animals, and artworks. During peak times, visitors with service animals may be advised that heavy crowds could make movement within the space more difficult.

The handler is responsible for the care and control of the service animal at all times while on McMichael property, including the cleanup and proper disposal of waste.

If a service animal causes a disruption or interferes with gallery operations, the Guest Services team may ask the handler and animal to move to another area or leave the premises.

Please turn your cell phone to silent or the vibrate setting and be respectful of other visitors when using your cell phone.

Sketching is permitted in the Gallery with pencil only, as is note-taking.

Strollers are welcome in gallery spaces. Or you may leave your stroller in our stroller parking area in the coat room to the right of the lobby. Bikes, helmets, skateboards, skate shoes, Rollerblades and scooters are not permitted. Please note that lockers are currently available for use.

For the protection of visitors, staff and works of art, the Gallery is monitored by video surveillance.

By visiting the McMichael Canadian Art Collection with a group, you agree to adhere to the following guidelines: 

• Advance reservations are required for all adult and student groups of 10 or more.  

• Group bookings must be made at least four (2) weeks prior to a guided gallery visit and at least three (3) days before a self-guided visit.   

• To request a visit, you must complete the Group Visit booking form in advance and account for all attendees in your group. Our McMichael representative will be in touch once we have received your booking request.  

• Membership, Annual Pass and other ticket types do not apply to group admission.  

• All payments are final. Refunds and Credits will not be issued for overpayments or cancellations.  

• Tickets may not be refunded.  

• All visitors in your group must be present when you check in to enter the galleries.  

• One representative from your group will check in your group at admissions. Please anticipate lines at the entrance.  

• Please allow approximately two to three hours to experience the gallery.  

• Groups who arrive to the gallery without booking in advance will be required to pay the general admission day rate and will not be eligible for the group discount  

• When visiting the gallery, please be mindful of other visitors who are there to enjoy the space; be sure not to block doorways or interfere with others’ experiences.   

• Large groups may be asked to break into smaller groups for safety of the artwork and visitor flow through the galleries.   

• Groups cannot join public Museum guided tours. Visitor Experience can arrange private guided tours with advance notice.  

• Groups arriving more than thirty minutes after the scheduled start of their guided visit will forfeit their tour.  

• All groups must adhere to the Gallery’s Institutional Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Access Policy Statement and all group tours are conducted aligning with this policy. The principles of diversity, inclusion, and equal access apply to all aspects of The McMichael Canadian Art Collection operations, across all categories of individuals. Individuals should be able to share in the gallery experience, free from biased or demeaning conduct or statements based on their personal characteristics. Visit our IDEA for more information.

• Verbally abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening statements or behaviour toward McMichael Canadian Art Collection staff or other visitors is prohibited.  

• The McMichael Canadian Art Collection reserves the right not to allow large groups into the museum without advance reservation.  

• McMichael Canadian Art Collection staff and volunteers are here to help. Please follow their instructions.  

• The McMichael Canadian Art Collection reserves the right to refuse or revoke the admission of any group, lecturer, or group member whose conduct violates these guidelines.