A world-class facility that embraces an Indigenous presence on the Thunder Bay Waterfront
The Thunder Bay Art Gallery relocation will renew connections to the formerly industrial Thunder Bay waterfront while providing modern spaces that celebrate the gallery’s diverse collection of art. The main hall, its design influenced by a strong Indigenous narrative, embraces the surrounding landscape with its spectacular views of Lake Superior and Nanabijou.
The Thunder Bay Art Gallery fulfills an important cultural and programmatic role with communities in and around Thunder Bay, actively fostering an inclusive atmosphere for gathering, teaching, sharing, and understanding. The art gallery’s collection holds an extensive and renowned collection of contemporary Indigenous art. Brook McIlroy and Patkau Architects in joint venture are taking the project through detailed design and construction. Indigenous consultation, led by the Indigenous Design Studio at Brook McIlroy, was central to the design development process with a focus of the project to creating welcoming and engaging community spaces. A powerful narrative, celebrating the power of art to tell stories, guided the design of key spaces and the relationship with the landscape.
The facility was recently submitted for permit. It has been designed to provide greatly enlarged exhibition space, event halls, classrooms and studios, office space, a cafe, and a gift shop. The project will be an iconic, world-class addition to Brook McIlroy’s previous waterfront work.
