The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery image

The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery

Tourist attraction Event venue Art gallery

One of the Most Reviewed Art galleries in Old Toronto


Address

231 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada

Website

www.thepowerplant.org

Contact

+1 416-973-4949

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (473 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: gallery (26) free (18) visit (16) exhibits (13) experience (8) contemporary (8) artists (7) staff (7) exhibitions (7) exhibition (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Taljana D. 5 years ago on Google
    I’ve gone here three years in a row and I love how it’s a different exhibition every year. Plus it’s free, that doesn’t happen quite often. Staff that work there are always friendly and willing to help further your understanding about the art . The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is clean, free and unique. I highly recommend it and will definitely be returning.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Harry B. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an interesting gallery. Definitely not the type of stuff you'd see in the AGO, the Power Plant Gallery features modern artists in modern styles. Worth a visit if you're in the area (it was free when I visited).
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jack C. 11 months ago on Google
    I went to take a video (I made sure there were no other people in the room or in the frame) and was rudely told I couldn't take videos. I said okay and I put my phone away. I went to another portion of the gallery, but was followed there by an employee. I started to feel uneasy as I realized I was being watched (as if I was going to steal a painting) so I went to a third room. Yet again, I was followed there. I looked at the person and realized they were glaring at me so I left the entire gallery because it was the most uncomfortable feeling having multiple employees glare at you and follow you around. This was such an unpleasant experience because of the two employees who followed me around and kept glaring at me. I will say, there were two employees at the front who made the situation better, but unfortunately the bad apples really spoiled this experience for me.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mel L. 2 years ago on Google
    Always such a fun and free thing to visit in the city more than once throughout the year as they rotate through exhibits and artists. We've discovered some incredible artists and love coming back over and over!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna P. 1 year ago on Google • 238 reviews
    another wonderful museum that you can visit for free! Right by the lake, a great place to swing by while on a stroll. two floors of thought provoking exhibits. the staff is very knowledgeable and they can tell you a lot about the artists and their work, inspirations and context. There is a small gift/book shop at the entrance. The washrooms are in the same building, and so is a water fountain/bottle refill station.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julian C. 4 years ago on Google
    This exhibition is super cool. I love going to their exhibits all year around. The Power Plant is a great place to visit
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 i c. 4 months ago on Google • 324 reviews
    Entrance is free. Some fascinating exhibits. At Harbourfront so plenty of other options for further entertainment, including a walk on the boardwalk.

  • 5/5 Peter St. J. 1 year ago on Google
    I was immediately struck by the artwork on display: confronting, connecting, real! An excellent venue, well curated, with an important message made excellently. Truly representing artist who, in all likelihood, would not have their voice heard elsewhere. It is a facility of which Toronto, Ontario, and Canada can be proud.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna O. 5 years ago on Google
    Great gallery area, right by the bay. The exhibitions they had on at the time we visited gave us food for thought, they were very moving and interesting. There's also a nice little shop - books, ceramics etc, as you'd expect.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adam H. 3 months ago on Google • 68 reviews New
    Small but nice little art gallery, not very busy and located in a nice area
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Parichehr A. 5 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    The art gallery was amazing! It had such a variety of art, from classic paintings to modern, funky sculptures. It felt like a journey through time and emotions. Some pieces were thought-provoking, others were just plain beautiful. It was a place that made you think, feel, and appreciate the incredible talents of artists. The whole experience left me feeling so inspired and connected to the world of creativity.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jasmina V. 5 years ago on Google
    There is a fantastic show at the gallery right now, not to be missed, until May 12th. One of the best art shows I’ve seen in Toronto so far. The space, with cool contemporary lines, lots of light, and large windows, adds to the special experience of being there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katya P. 6 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, unique exhibitions year-round. Great place to take photos, or to just wander around and lose yourself for a few hours. It's free, but I would recommend making a donation to support the talks and events that they frequently host. There's new exhibitions to be seen once every four months or so, so it's never the same two visits in a row. I've been several times and have never encountered any rude staff as mentioned in other reviews. My only complaint would be that they close too early most days - be sure to check their hours before you plan a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Abrahim F. 1 year ago on Google
    I haven't been in the Harbourfront fro a while and I had the impression it is a new art gallery. Crowded because of the Nuit Blanche event.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lucy N. 1 year ago on Google
    I love coming down here to see the exhibits. It's free and accessible. All located on ground level, you can see fantastic artwork inside and outside. They often rotate, so check online for what is on exhibit. It's also close to the Harbourfront. You can hit two birds with one stone. I recommend you come if you can.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Tieja M. 1 year ago on Google
    Was really looking forward to attending an event here this afternoon, but unfortunately it was impossible to focus on the speaker with all of the staff with cameras and cellphones taking photos and videos. Most people just want to enjoy events in peace, and don’t want to be a part of a promotional photoshoot. Completely taints the experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anita W. 9 months ago on Google
    It's always a pleasure to visit. Light and airy - you will see modern and contemporary works that will make you think.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gleb 1 year ago on Google
    Great place, free art exhibition, however, I was expecting this place to be a little bit bigger and have a variety of art exhibitions/artist/styles. Haven't had a chance to visit the theater but it is definitely in the future plans. Overall a good place to visit while walking near the waterfront.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicolette A. 2 years ago on Google
    One of, if not, my favourite art gallery in the city. Whether you are a local or simply visiting Toronto, you must stop by this small gallery to see their carefully curated exhibits of Canadian and international artists.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 DP E. 1 year ago on Google
    We stumbled upon the art gallery by accident & the exhibits were quite different from what I expected. Yet it was eye-opening by works of Hiva K, Paulo Nazareth.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Satarupa 1 year ago on Google
    Had an incredible time experiencing the Power Plant's Summer 2022 Exhibition Season! The Mixed media Artworks by Hiwa K in particular were very moving and, eye-opening. Thanks to places like this Contemporary Art Galleries we get glimpses of so much that is beyond our general awareness.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L D. 5 months ago on Google • 150 reviews
    One of our favorite places to visit. An amazing kid friendly art gallery with something for everyone. It's free to enjoy and has beautiful views of the harbor too!

  • 5/5 Oliver W. 2 months ago on Google • 138 reviews New
    Total hidden gem of a free art gallery. High quality works in a beautiful space. If you don’t know much about modern art, don’t be intimidated. There is no one correct interpretation. Just come here with a friend, practice slow looking without seeing the whole museum, and talk about what the art makes you feel, what you see. All impressions are valid, your experience will make the art come to life.

  • 5/5 Oliver M. 4 months ago on Google • 95 reviews
    The power plant galleries are fabulous lending themselves to wonderful contemporary exhibits. A great cultural stop along the waterfront!

  • 5/5 Madhur B. 4 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    The showcase was exquisite. Highly recommend visiting. The themes are engaging and exhibited with care and sensory delight.

  • 5/5 T Y. 4 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    Free, small art gallery that always has at least one (but usually more) exhibitions that are worth your time...and artist talks too. In a time when the price of everything is increasing, public free spaces like these that connect us through art are a true treasure.

  • 5/5 Linda R. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful works of art, always rotating featured artists so it keeps you coming back for new perspectives. Very quiet and peaceful ambiance as well as helpful staff!

  • 5/5 j y. 1 year ago on Google
    I was deeply impressed with my last visit to this gallery. The curation is better than Toronto’s Contemporary Museum. The paintings on display reminded me of the famous Belgian painter, Luc Tuymans. The works of Brenda Draney seem located in obsolete temporal creation, where the recipient of the memory contributes to the production of the cultural artifact. There is something familiar, where muddy or bleached backgrounds eerily frame ghostly figurative emblems of both fascism and late-stage capitalism. I’m really impressed with the quiet sophistication of this particular artist, and with the gallery overall.

  • 5/5 Yazzyr A. 8 months ago on Google
    The Power Plant: A dynamic space where art and imagination converge. Housed within a historic industrial building, this contemporary art gallery is a beacon of creativity in Toronto's cultural landscape. With its ever-changing exhibitions and thought-provoking installations, The Power Plant offers a window into the diverse world of contemporary art. As you explore its innovative displays, you're invited to engage with bold ideas and challenge your perspective. The gallery's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries makes it a must-visit for those seeking a captivating and immersive artistic experience that's both inspiring and thought-provoking.

  • 5/5 D S. 7 months ago on Google
    Incredible space and very nice staff. I've been here more times than i can count and there's often something in the work that sticks. Well worth the visit.

  • 5/5 Bea T. 3 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    Quaint but cute gallery with amazing pieces of art! There were 3 exhibits

  • 5/5 Johnny S. 8 months ago on Google
    This gallery is actually quite nice, although the featured exhibits when I dropped by weren't super interesting. I did enjoy the scavenger hunt and the free artbook offered for taking a quick survey, though. Considering how this is a free gallery with very generous operating hours, I can't really nitpick. Be sure to stop by whenever you pass by the area or visit the Harbourfront Centre!

  • 5/5 Aly 9 months ago on Google
    A really great art space with ever changing exhibits. Nice to have a free option to rely on for arts in the city!

  • 5/5 Sacharja W. 9 months ago on Google
    Quite a small museum compared to maybe the Tate Modern, however a very enjoyable exhibition. A must, if you enjoy contemporary art.

  • 5/5 Carla The A. 2 years ago on Google
    Serene and transformative place to see some really amazing art! 🖼

  • 4/5 Alexander K. 1 year ago on Google
    We went here for the Arctic / Amazon exhibition. The art here was unique and we had a good time. The museum is quite small, but if you're in the area - I'd recommend dropping by.

  • 5/5 StalTheClown 1 year ago on Google
    they put a art gallery in a power plant, how is that not the coolest thing, its also really close to the water which is really cool and they had a lot of cool art. i really want to come back here some day.

  • 5/5 Sung K. 1 year ago on Google
    Small but cool contemporary gallery. Cool to give it a visit as you walk along the waterfront. The entrance is free as well.

  • 5/5 Dipak M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great contemporary art gallery, very thoughtful exhibitions and workshops. A must visit if you're on the harbour front.

  • 5/5 Robert F. 2 years ago on Google
    Great visit for a free art gallery. Having something like a gallery near the harbour and other places was neat and the art present was just as good. Would visit again.

  • 5/5 Andrew X. 2 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem in our large city. Really enjoyed the local exhibits and best of all, it was free for the public to enjoy :)

  • 4/5 Jie C. 5 years ago on Google
    An impressive exhibition. Buy their post cards! :)

  • 5/5 Amelia R. 7 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous exhibits! I adored everything about this gallery — friendly staff, incredible artwork, amazing experience.

  • 5/5 Shaughn 2 years ago on Google
    Always has amazing art of all kinds, friendly and helpful staff


Call +1 416-973-4949 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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