Museum London, London (must see)

Museum London is a public art museum and archive founded in 1940 as part of a combined library and art institution. It later became an independent museum focused on Canadian art and regional history. It is closely linked to “London Regionalism,” a movement from the 1960s and 1970s led by artists such as Greg Curnoe and Jack Chambers. The collection includes works from this movement, along with studio objects such as Curnoe’s early 20th-century worktable.

The building was designed by architect Raymond Moriyama, also known for the Canadian War Museum and the Ontario Science Centre. Its structure uses exposed concrete and brick terraces that follow the slope toward the river. The design reflects the landscape and links the built area with the water. Inside, open galleries and large windows bring in natural light and support easy movement through the exhibitions.

The collection goes beyond painting and sculpture. It includes historical material such as medical tools from a regional hospital network, showing changes in healthcare over time. Archaeological objects from Indigenous sites near the river reflect long human activity in the area. The museum also holds works by artists such as Lawren Harris and Kent Monkman, linking local art with broader Canadian developments.

Visitors can explore both permanent displays and temporary exhibitions, along with programs that support closer study of the works. One example is “Slow-Looking Sunday,” a guided visit that focuses on careful viewing of a small number of artworks. Admission is based on donation, allowing visitors to choose how long they stay and how they experience the space.