The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is a free public gallery at Harbourfront Centre, at 231 Queens Quay W on Toronto’s waterfront. It presents contemporary visual art by Canadian and international artists, with exhibitions that change over time and can include sculpture, film, video and installation. Some shows invite you to take part, while others explore social and political ideas. The galleries are compact, so a visit can fit between other Harbourfront stops. Check what is on display before you go, and leave time to browse the small book and gift shop by the entrance.
A gallery for contemporary art
The Power Plant is a public gallery at Harbourfront Centre, focused on contemporary visual art. It presents new and recent work by living Canadian and international artists, and does not maintain a collection. Exhibitions change, so the art on view depends on when you visit.
The programme can bring together different forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, video and installation. Exhibitions have also explored social and political questions. The gallery’s work is intended to give people access to contemporary art and create room for discussion around it.
How the exhibitions work
The gallery occupies a former powerhouse built in 1926. Inside, exhibition spaces are arranged across two floors, with a small number of rooms; the scale of a show depends on the work being presented. Past exhibitions have included installations and projects by artists from Canada and abroad.
Some exhibitions are designed for active participation. Past interactive displays have included spaces for shadow puppets, instruments, drawing with chalk and building with blocks. Other shows ask visitors to look closely and reflect. Check the current programme before your visit, since both the artists and the experience can change from one exhibition to the next.
Planning a visit
Admission is free. The gallery is at 231 Queens Quay W, beside the other Harbourfront Centre spaces. A small book and gift shop is located near the entrance, and the building has washrooms and a water fountain or bottle refill station.
Weekdays and other non-peak times can make for a quieter visit. Donation prompts may be made at the entrance. Backpack guidance has not been consistent, so check the gallery’s current instructions before you arrive rather than assume you can bring one into the exhibition spaces. Wheelchair-accessible entrances, an elevator and restrooms are listed among the building’s facilities.
Perguntas frequentes
Is admission to The Power Plant free?
Yes. Admission is free, though a donation prompt may appear at the entrance.
Where is The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery?
It is at Harbourfront Centre, 231 Queens Quay W, Toronto.
How long should I spend at The Power Plant?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes for a visit. The gallery is compact, and the time needed depends on the exhibitions on view.
Can you interact with the art?
Some exhibitions include interactive activities, such as shadow puppets, instruments, chalk drawing or building blocks. The activities depend on the current show.
