Beaverbrook Art Gallery
New Brunswick
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is the province's officially designated public art gallery. Founded in 1959 through the generosity of Lord Beaverbrook, it opened with an impressive collection of over 300 works, including masterpieces by J. M. W. Turner and Salvador Dalí. The gallery building, originally designed in a mid-century modern style by Neil Stewart, has undergone several expansions to enhance exhibition space and visitor amenities. The latest expansion in 2017 transformed it into the largest art gallery in Atlantic Canada, adding a new pavilion with an artist-in-residence studio, learning theatre, café, and outdoor sculpture courtyard. The gallery's permanent collection reflects Lord Beaverbrook's vision and includes British paintings and decorative arts acquired with the help of prominent art advisors. Surrounding the gallery, the TD Sculpture Garden features notable sculptures by artists such as André Lapointe and Dennis Oppenheim, enriching the cultural landscape along the Saint John River. The Beaverbrook Art Gallery serves as a vital cultural destination, blending historical significance with contemporary art and community engagement.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during weekdays or outside peak hours to fully enjoy the gallery's extensive collection and new facilities. Advance ticket purchase is recommended during special exhibitions or events. The gallery offers accessibility features including elevators and ramps. Check the official website for current exhibitions, guided tours, and any available discounts for seniors, students, or groups.
Interesting facts
- •The gallery opened with over 300 works including paintings by famous artists J. M. W. Turner and Salvador Dalí.
- •It is named after Lord Beaverbrook, who personally assembled much of the original collection and funded the gallery's construction.
- •The 2017 expansion made it the largest art gallery in the Atlantic region of Canada.
- •The TD Sculpture Garden adjacent to the gallery features works by notable sculptors including André Lapointe and Dennis Oppenheim.
- •The gallery's original collection was purchased with advice from leading art experts including the managing director of Christie's and the curator of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
History
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery was established in 1959 after Lord Beaverbrook offered to fund the construction and collection of an art gallery in Fredericton.
The original building was designed in the 1950s by Neil Stewart in a mid-century modern style.
In 1983, the gallery expanded with east and west wings to house additional collections.
Further growth occurred in 1995 with the addition of the Marion McCain Atlantic Gallery.
A major expansion project initiated in 2015 culminated in 2017, significantly enlarging the gallery and modernizing its facilities, making it the largest art gallery in Atlantic Canada.
Place Guide
Original Building and Galleries1959
The original mid-century modern building designed by Neil Stewart features a high-ceilinged central gallery flanked by two square galleries, showcasing the initial collection of British paintings and decorative arts.
East and West Wings1983
Added in 1983, these wings house the Hosmer Pillow Vaughan collection of china and decorative arts and the Sir Max Aitken Gallery, expanding the gallery's exhibition space significantly.
Marion McCain Atlantic Gallery1995
Opened in 1995, this gallery was named in honour of Marion McCain and added further exhibition space to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.
2017 Expansion Pavilion2017
This major expansion added a new pavilion with an artist-in-residence studio, learning theatre, café, and outdoor sculpture courtyard, enhancing visitor experience and accessibility.
TD Sculpture Garden2009
Located adjacent to the gallery, the garden features commissioned sculptures including 'The Birth of Venus' by André Lapointe and 'Arriving Home' by Dennis Oppenheim, enriching the cultural environment.
Contact
Phone: (506) 458-2028
