Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the McMichael!
Find the answers to your questions by clicking on the dropdown menus below.
The safety of our visitors and staff remains our top priority. We encourage the use of face masks during your visit; however, masks are not required to visit the McMichael. We ask all visitors to respect the masking decisions of others. Thank you for helping to keep the McMichael a safe and welcoming place to visit.
To visit the gallery, you can book your tickets today!
The McMichael Café CABIN is open. For more information, please visit our Food and Drink page.
Enjoy FREE admission on Family Sundays —the third Sunday of every month—through October.
General Visitor Guidelines & FAQs
- Tickets are available for purchase on-site at the Admissions Desk or can be booked online in advance. Tickets are good for any time on the day of your visit.
- We kindly request that visitors follow all posted safety guidelines and the instructions of McMichael staff members. McMichael guides and staff may at times need to limit the number of visitors in certain spaces. We thank you for your patience and understanding if you are asked to wait.
- Masks and proof of vaccination are not required to visit the McMichael at this time. Visitors are welcome to wear a mask, if desired, and we ask all visitors to respect the masking decisions of others.
- There is a cloakroom and lockers available for use when the Gallery is open. You will be asked to check oversized bags.
- Dining at CABIN is available on a walk-in basis for lunch, coffee and light bites. The café is a credit and debit-only facility and does not take reservations except for parties of more than 6 people. Please note that restaurant hours may vary due to scheduled events.
Unfortunately, admission tickets are not transferrable or refundable.
We strongly encourage all visitors to leave valuables and large personal items at home or in their car upon visiting, as items larger than 45 x 40 x 15 cm (18 x 16 x 6 in.) are not permitted in the galleries. The cloakroom is in use with limited capacity. Lockers are available.
For more information about the McMichael Café CABIN, please visit our Food and Drink page.
Please note that outside food and beverage may not be consumed in the restaurant. Visitors are welcome to use outdoor benches, picnic tables and the picnic shelter any time of year.
The Gallery Shop is now open! Our online eShop is also open.
Complimentary or reciprocal tickets can be booked by selecting “Public Guest Pass” as your ticket type. Upon arrival at the Gallery, please present your pass or reciprocal membership card (plus ID).
When the gallery is open, we are only accepting the Attractions Ontario coupon. The discount offered through this coupon is not available online, but it can be redeemed by calling the gallery at 905.893.1121, or sending us an email at info@mcmichael.com.
The McMichael offers free General Admission to Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
The safety and health of our visitors, volunteers and staff remain our top priority. When the McMichael is open, please be aware of the following:
- Please refrain from visiting the McMichael if you feel unwell or suspect that you have come into contact with an individual showing symptoms of COVID-19. Click here for more information from the Government of Ontario’s self-assessment page.
- Masks and proof of vaccination are no longer required to visit the McMichael. Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask, if desired, and we ask all visitors to respect the masking decisions of others.
- We encourage all visitors, including members, to books tickets in advance Online. Tickets are good for any time on the day of your visit. Walk up tickets are also available from the front desk.
- All visitors must sanitize their hands upon entering the Gallery. Sanitation Stations are located throughout the building.
- We kindly request that visitors follow all posted safety guidelines and the instructions of McMichael staff members.
- McMichael guides and staff may at times need to limit the number of visitors in certain spaces, including all galleries, the Founders’ Lounge, Gallery Shop and elevators. We thank you for your patience and understanding if you are asked to wait.
- When the McMichael is open, the cloakroom is currently in use and lockers are available.
Unfortunately, admission tickets are not transferrable or refundable.
- McMichael staff continue to sanitize public spaces on an enhanced cleaning schedule.
- Visitors are encouraged to make use of hand sanitation stations positioned around the Gallery.
- Transactions and payments will be touchless/contactless. Payment by debit or credit is strongly preferred.
- All drinking fountains will be available for use. Personal water bottles may be consumed outside of Gallery spaces.
The safety of our visitors and team members are top priority. We encourage the use of face masks during your visit; however, masks are not required to visit the McMichael. We ask all visitors to respect the masking decision of others.
We strongly encourage all visitors to leave valuables and large personal items at home or in their car upon visiting, as items larger than 45 x 40 x 15 cm (18 x 16 x 6 in.) are not permitted in the galleries. The cloakroom is in use with limited capacity. Lockers are available.
We are excited to announce the reopening of the McMichael Café as the newly launched CABIN. For more information, please visit our Food and Drink page.
Please note that outside food and beverage may not be consumed in the restaurant. Visitors are welcome to use outdoor benches, picnic tables and the picnic shelter any time of year.
The Gallery Shop is now open! Our online eShop is also open.
Complimentary or reciprocal tickets can be booked by selecting “Public Guest Pass” as your ticket type. Upon arrival at the Gallery, please present your pass or reciprocal membership card (plus ID).
When the gallery is open, we are only accepting the Attractions Ontario coupon. The discount offered through this coupon is not available online, but it can be redeemed by calling the gallery at 905.893.1121, or sending us an email at info@mcmichael.com.
Frontline workers receive free parking ($7 value) to visit the grounds and trails seven days a week. This offer applies to residents of Ontario who are doctors, nurses, hospital employees, paramedics, police officers, firefighters, grocery store workers, mass transit employees, retirement and long-term care workers, social services, emergency shelter staff, sanitation and waste management employees, and others. Please show work ID at the parking booth when visiting the McMichael. On behalf of everyone at the McMichael, thank you for your hard work and dedication to keeping our community safe.
The McMichael offers free General Admission to Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Parking & Grounds
The grounds and trails are open seven days a week. Outdoor public washrooms are open during gallery hours. Please note that parking along En Plein Air Drive, a fire route, is not permitted and vehicles are subject to ticketing by the city. We appreciate your understanding.
For more information on outdoor groups and gatherings including use of the picnic shelter, please contact Angela Poletto, Manager of Sales and Community Engagement.
Membership
Your membership helps support everything we do. Memberships can be purchased online and come with a range of benefits. Inquire today!
McMichael Members are welcome to bring guests using their Guest Passes. Member Plus holders are also welcome to bring a guest. When booking tickets online, simply select McMichael Guest Pass for your guest. Guest Passes must be collected by admissions staff at the front desk upon arrival.
Programs & Events
All currently scheduled virtual public programs, including online art classes and virtual tours will continue as planned in an online format. View upcoming virtual and in-person program offerings. Please contact programs@mcmichael.com with any questions.
Please contact Angela Poletto, Manager of Sales and Community Engagement, for more information.
The McMichael is currently accepting bookings for private events and weddings. All events are subject to public health guidelines at the time of the event, which may change. Please contact Angela Poletto, Manager of Sales and Community Engagement, for more information.
Accessibility
Please direct your inquiries and concerns regarding service or accessibility concerns to our general email.
When the McMichael is open, you are welcome to bring an attendant with you for accessibility reasons and are entitled to a 2-for-1 discount. Simply enter the code ACCESS241 when purchasing admission tickets online for yourself and your attendant.
Permanent seating is available in many of our galleries. The McMichael is also pleased to offer complimentary portable seating to our visitors. Please inquire about portable seating at our Admissions Desk upon check-in. For the safety of our visitors and staff, all portable stools are sanitized frequently.
Admission is free for attendants who accompany a person with a disability. The gallery also allows admission into the building for trained guide or service animals accompanying a person who requires special assistance.
Other
For media inquiries, please contact Sam Cheung, Media Relations Coordinator.
Please contact our general service email and we will respond as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding during this time.
As an Agency of the Government of Ontario, McMichael staff are prohibited from evaluating, authenticating, and appraising art. Please contact an accredited art consultant or a fine art auction house for this service. Unfortunately we are unable to recommend appraisers.
We suggest that you approach an accredited art consultant or a fine art auction house for this service. We cannot provide names of private collectors, and we do not purchase works of art in this manner.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection will reopen to the public on Friday, July 31 through Monday, August 3, 2020. Members will have early access starting on July 30.
After opening weekend, the Gallery hours will be as follows until further notice:
Monday to Wednesday: Grounds Only
Thursday: Members Only, 10 am to 5 pm
Friday to Sunday: General Public, 10 am to 5 pm
After opening weekend, the Gallery hours will be as follows until further notice:
Monday to Wednesday: Grounds Only
Thursday: Members Only, 10 am to 5 pm
Friday to Sunday: General Public, 10 am to 5 pm
The safety and health of our visitors, volunteers and staff remain our top priority. Before you visit the McMichael, please be aware of the following:
- Please refrain from visiting the McMichael if you feel unwell or suspect that you have come into contact with an individual showing symptoms of COVID-19. Click here for more information from the Government of Ontario’s self-assessment page.
- All visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a facemask during their visit.
- All frontline staff members will be wearing face shields.
- All tickets, including member tickets, must be purchased or reserved in advance using our timed ticketing system.
- Please practice physical distancing and remain a minimum of two metres (6 ft.) away from other visitors at all times.
- All visitors must sanitize their hands upon entering the Gallery. Sanitation Stations will be located throughout the building.
- We kindly request that visitors follow all posted safety guidelines, directional signs and the instructions of McMichael staff members.
- McMichael guides and staff will be limiting the number of visitors allowed into spaces, including all galleries, the Founders’ Lounge and elevators. We thank you for your patience and understanding if you are asked to wait.
- At this time the cloakroom, visitor lockers and theatre are closed.
- New signage will help visitors navigate the unidirectional travel through all gallery spaces.
- Timed ticketing will be implemented for all visitors, including McMichael members to manage capacity and visitor flow.
- McMichael staff will be sanitizing public spaces on an enhanced cleaning schedule.
- Visitors are encouraged to utilize a number of new hand sanitation stations positioned around the Gallery.
- Frontline staff will be wearing personal protective equipment as they interact with our guests.
- All soft furnishings have been removed from public spaces for sanitary purposes.
- Plexiglass shields have been installed at our Admissions Desk and Gallery Shop.
- All drinking fountains will be closed until further notice.
- Timed tickets are required of everyone visiting the McMichael, including members, until further notice.
- A limited number of walk-up tickets may be available day-of but are not guaranteed.
- Tickets are booked through Eventbrite in half-hour timeslots. You can use computer, tablet or smartphone to book your ticket.
- You may bring a printed copy of your ticket or show it on a smartphone once you arrive at the Gallery.
- You will be asked to wait in line before being admitted to the Gallery during your timeslot; visitors will be let in in small groups.
The Grounds will reopen as of July 30, 2020 and will be open seven days a week.
Paid parking ($7) is in effect. The Parking Lot will be open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. After-hours parking is not permitted. Parking along En Plein Air Drive, a fire route, is not permitted and vehicles are subject to ticketing by the city.
Public Washrooms will be open from 10 am to 5 pm daily and will be cleaned on a regular schedule. Please practice social distancing.
The McMichael strongly encourages the use of a mask to help keep our community healthy and safe, but it is not mandatory.
We strongly encourage all visitors to leave valuables and large personal items at home or in their car. At this time, the visitor lockers and cloakroom are not available.
Please note that as of Monday, October 19, the McMichael Cafe will be closed in accordance with York Region public health guidelines.
The Gallery Shop will be open with limited capacity, social distancing and touchless payment in place. The online e-shop will also be open.
All active memberships will be extended as of March 14, 2020 for four months. For more information or assistance with any questions about your membership, please contact Maria Schmidt by email.
Memberships can be purchased online and come with a range of benefits. Inquire today!
The McMichael is booking some private group tours with limitations. Please contact sales manager, Angela Poletto, for more information.
Yes, the McMichael will continue accepting reservations for private events at this time. Please contact Manager of Sales and Visitor Engagement, Angela Poletto, for more information on how COVID-19 may impact your wedding or event.
Please direct your inquiries and concerns regarding service or accessibility concerns to our general email.
All currently scheduled virtual public programs, including online art classes, virtual tours and ArtVenture Summer Club will continue as planned.
A number of exhibitions have been extended due to the closure of the gallery spaces. For more information, including updated closing dates, please visit our exhibitions page.
If you wish to make a donation to the McMichael, please visit this page. For large individual donation inquiries, please contact Mickey Palha, Associate Director of Individual Giving.
For media inquiries, please contact Sam Cheung, Media Relations Coordinator.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept complimentary or reciprocal passes at this time. Please retain your pass and await further details on when your pass can be redeemed. The validity of all passes will be extended until we begin accepting passes again. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Please contact our general service email and we will respond as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding during this time.
McMichael Visitor Vaccination Policy
In accordance with the Reopening Ontario Act, as of March 21, 2022, visitors to the McMichael, including those who visit the Gallery Shop, CABIN, or attend events at the McMichael, are no longer required to wear a mask or to produce proof of vaccination upon entry. Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask, if desired, and we ask all visitors to respect the masking decisions of others. Thank you for helping to keep the McMichael a safe and welcoming place to visit by respecting the mask choices of others.