Remai Modern

Remai Modern opened in 2017 on the South Saskatchewan River in a stacked, cantilevered building by KPMB with Bruce Kuwabara, clad in copper-coloured mesh. Its distinguishing holding came from Ellen Remai, who donated four hundred and five Picasso linocuts, the largest collection of them in existence, along with a large group of his ceramics; the linocuts are shown in rotation because works on paper cannot be permanently exposed. The rest of the collection runs to around eight thousand works with a strong contemporary and Saskatchewan component. A ninth-floor terrace looks over the river and the weir.

History

Plans for a new art museum grew out of the Mendel Art Gallery's announcement in April 2009 that it would move to River Landing; the new museum was incorporated on 9 July 2009 as the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan, the city voted that November to build it at River Landing, and it later inherited the Mendel's collection. In 2011 Ellen Remai gave $15 million towards construction, $15 million for exhibitions and the most comprehensive collection of Picasso linocuts, building began on 7 June 2013, the name Remai Modern was adopted in June 2016, and the museum opened in 2017 (Wikipedia, Remai Modern).

What to look for

• The Picasso linocuts - the largest collection anywhere, 405 prints, shown in rotation.
• The Picasso ceramics - a substantial group donated alongside the prints.
• The KPMB building - a stacked cantilevered structure in copper mesh.
• The river terrace - views over the South Saskatchewan from the upper floor.

When to go

Year-round; the museum closes Mondays and Tuesdays in some seasons. Only part of the linocut set is on show at any time, so check the current hang before travelling for it.

Things to know

The Picassos rotate and only a fraction is displayed at once. The building has been the subject of local controversy over cost. Saskatoon is not a common stop on most itineraries.

Nearby

Wanuskewin lies north; the Meewasin trail runs along the river.

Key facts