Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

A painted house sits inside a gallery in downtown Halifax, and it is one of the most charming things in Atlantic Canada. The house belonged to Maud Lewis, the folk artist from rural Nova Scotia who lived with her husband in a tiny cottage near Digby and covered every wall, window and door with bright flowers, birds and butterflies. After her death in 1970, the house was rescued and eventually installed inside the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, where it forms the centrepiece of a gallery devoted to her work. Visitors walk around it and look through the doors at the painted stove, stairs and furniture, and it is a tender glimpse into a remarkable life.

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada, and it has been collecting since 1908. Its main building, on Hollis Street, is a handsome stone structure that was once the federal post office and customs building, and a modern wing links it to a second historic building. The location is central, a short walk from the waterfront, Province House and the city's museums, so it fits easily into a day on foot.

The collection holds many thousands of works. Folk art is a particular strength, with pieces by Maud Lewis alongside other self-taught Nova Scotia artists, and the Canadian, European and regional holdings include paintings, sculpture, prints and photographs from the 18th century to the present. Nova Scotia artists receive special attention, and the gallery shows how the province's landscapes, fishing communities and traditions have been seen by painters across generations. International work and contemporary art are shown in changing exhibitions throughout the year.

The gallery is located on land that is the territory of the Mi'kmaq people, a fact acknowledged in its programming, and it works to present Mi'kmaq and other Indigenous art and voices in its galleries. Programmes include tours, talks, family days and workshops, and the building is designed to be accessible to visitors with mobility needs.

Opening times vary by season, and the gallery may close on certain days, so confirm hours before visiting. Plan on one to two hours. Art lovers, families and anyone curious about Nova Scotia's cultural history will find plenty to enjoy.