Doors Open Markham 2024

Doors Open Markham 2024
 

Saturday, June 8 I 10 AM to 5 PM
Free | Registration required for vault tours

Experience a day of art exploration during Doors Open Markham 2024 at the Varley Art Gallery! Enjoy free family-friendly drop-in activities, guided tours of the Gallery's 2024 Summer Exhibitions, and annual vault tours. Following your gallery adventure, take a leisurely walk down Main Street Unionville to visit the McKay Art Centre. Admire its heritage architecture and view the exhibition by the Markham Group of Artists.

Event highlights:

Exclusive annual vault tours led by the Gallery’s curator, Anik Glaude
10:30 AM | 1:30 PM | 2:30 PM

Free 45-minute guided tour of the vault at the Varley Art Gallery. View the permanent collection with works by world-renowned Canadian artists, and learn how collections are cared for. A rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Varley. 
 

Registration required. Certain spots are reserved for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please speak with front desk staff upon arrival.

Register

Guided tours of 2024 Summer Exhibitions
12 PM | 1 PM | 2 PM

Free 30-minute guided tours of our 2024 Summer Exhibitions, To go boldly and Summer Solstice. Our knowledgeable guide will provide insights and background information, enhancing your appreciation of the art. No registration required.

Learn more about our 2024 Summer Exhibitions

Family-friendly drop-in activities
10 AM to 5 PM

Free hands-on activities inspired by one of our 2024 Summer Exhibitions, To go boldly.

About the Buildings:

Varley Art Gallery of Markham

Situated at the top of Unionville’s historic village core, the Varley Art Gallery is an excellent example of post-modern architecture that contrasts with the neighbouring heritage buildings. The gallery, named after Group of Seven artist Fred Varley who lived in Unionville in his later years, is home to a fine collection of the artist’s oils, watercolours and drawings, as well as the art of many other Canadian artists. The main gallery features changing exhibitions to enhance the visitor experience.

McKay Art Centre

Visitors may also view the nearby McKay Art Centre at 197 Main Street Unionville. This heritage building, the former home of Fred Varley, dates from the 1850s, and is an excellent example of Carpenter Gothic architecture.

To learn more, visit HERE.