Old Growth: Masterworks by the Group of Seven and Their Contemporaries at McMichael Canadian Art Collection

From March 14, 2026 to July 5, 2026, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection presents Old Growth: Masterworks by the Group of Seven and Their Contemporaries, a sweeping exhibition that revisits the bold vision and enduring influence of Canada’s most celebrated landscape painters.

Set amid the forested grounds of Kleinburg, the McMichael provides an especially fitting backdrop for this exploration of artistic responses to the Canadian wilderness. Old Growth invites visitors to experience powerful depictions of wind-swept pines, expansive northern skies and rugged terrain—images that have helped define Canada’s visual identity for over a century.

A Legacy Rooted in Landscape

At the heart of the exhibition are masterworks by the Group of Seven, whose members transformed early twentieth-century Canadian art. Painters such as Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson and Franklin Carmichael rejected European conventions in favour of a distinctly national approach to landscape. Through vivid colour, expressive brushwork and simplified forms, they conveyed both the physical presence and spiritual resonance of the land.

The exhibition also places these iconic works in dialogue with contemporaries and fellow travellers, broadening the narrative beyond a single movement. By presenting paintings created alongside and in response to the Group’s output, Old Growth reveals a dynamic artistic community grappling with modernity, identity and the vastness of the Canadian environment.

Art, Identity and Environment

More than a historical survey, Old Growth encourages reflection on how images of the wilderness have shaped national consciousness. The towering trees and remote vistas depicted in these canvases were not merely scenic subjects; they became symbols of endurance, independence and belonging.

Seen today, these works take on renewed relevance. In an era of environmental awareness and ecological change, the exhibition prompts visitors to consider the meaning of “old growth” itself—both as a reference to ancient forests and as a metaphor for artistic traditions that continue to evolve.

An Immersive Experience in Kleinburg

The McMichael’s unique setting enhances the impact of the exhibition. Surrounded by conservation lands and walking trails, the gallery bridges art and landscape in a tangible way. After viewing the paintings, visitors can step outside into the very environment that inspired generations of artists.

Old Growth: Masterworks by the Group of Seven and Their Contemporaries offers an opportunity to reconnect with foundational works of Canadian art while discovering fresh perspectives on a defining movement. For seasoned admirers and new audiences alike, this exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring power of landscape—and the artists who saw something extraordinary within it.