Museums and Culture

Share the enjoyment of good books in a relaxed monthly book club at the Hazeldean branch of the Ottawa Public Library in Kanata. Upcoming picks include The Devil Reached Toward the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (Nov 6) and Emma by Jane Austen (Dec 4), with more titles through June. First Friday of the month from November 6, 2026 to June 4, 2027 (no January meeting), 1:30 to 3:00 PM. Free drop in program, no registration needed.

Three large murals by artist Coco Fusco list, in grids that recall mausoleum walls, the names of imprisoned artists, journalists killed at work and environmental activists assassinated in 2024. Part of the Toronto Biennial of Art 2026, at the Harbourfront Centre Main Building and Parking Pavilion. Free and viewable 24 hours a day until December 31, 2026.

Koffler Arts presents Kamiphony, an exhibition by Toronto artist Cybèle Young, in its gallery inside Artscape Youngplace, a former schoolhouse on Shaw Street. On until December 13, 2026: Wednesday and Friday to Sunday 12:30 to 5 p.m., Thursday 12:30 to 8 p.m. Admission to the gallery is free.

The TD Gallery at the Toronto Reference Library celebrates 75 years of ballet in Toronto with original National Ballet of Canada costumes and the sketches that brought them to life. On until January 10, 2027, on the main floor: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Free admission, with free guided tours every Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Curator Renée Dreyfus of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco gives an illustrated talk on the Etruscans of ancient central Italy and their bronze and terracotta sculpture, jewellery and ceramics, presented with the Italian Cultural Institute of Toronto. Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the ROM's Eaton Theatre (enter through the President's Choice School Entrance). Free, registration required.

The Italian Cultural Institute of Toronto hosts a book presentation on Adriano Olivetti, the Italian industrialist behind Olivetti typewriters and early computers, and his ideas on technology, innovation and community. Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Father Madden Hall at St. Michael's College, University of Toronto. Free, but registration on Eventbrite is required.

The Italian Cultural Institute of Toronto presents a documentary on Elvira Notari, Italy's first woman film director, with a panel discussion at 11:30 a.m. and the screening at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Revue Cinema in Roncesvalles. The event is free, but registration on Eventbrite is required.

A Neo Gothic monument and fountain unveiled in 1916 in the middle of Place d'Armes, marking 300 years since the arrival of the Récollet missionaries in 1615. A female figure at the top holds a cross and a palm, and reliefs on the base show early evangelization in Canada. Outdoors steps from the Château Frontenac, free to see any time.

A bronze monument by sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert, unveiled in 1908, honouring François de Laval, first bishop of New France and founder of the Séminaire de Québec. Laval stands with open arms above the river, while figures at the base stand for religion, education, evangelization and love. Outdoors in front of the Édifice Louis-S.-St-Laurent at the top of côte de la Montagne, free to see any time.

A tall cast iron column topped by a statue of Bellona, the Roman goddess of war, honouring the soldiers who fell at the Battle of Sainte-Foy in 1760, with plaques naming the generals Lévis and Murray. Designed by Charles Baillairgé, it was unveiled in 1863 and the statue was a gift from Prince Jérôme Napoléon. It stands at the entrance of Parc des Braves on chemin Sainte-Foy, outdoors and free to see any time.

A free film night for adults in the Daniel Poliquin Room of the Ottawa Public Library's Rideau branch; arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. Coming up: Hacksaw Ridge on Tuesday, November 10 at 6 pm, The Lighthouse on November 17 at 6:30 pm and Across the Universe on December 8 at 6 pm (films rated 14A or PG-13). Free drop in, no registration.

Ceramists Marie Drolet and Oleksandr Polishchuk fill the Espace Pierre-Debain with a symbolic forest of engraved porcelain and light, inviting visitors to wander, marvel and reflect on the sacred side of nature. The City of Gatineau gallery is inside the historic Centre culturel du Vieux-Aylmer. Until Dec 17, 2026. Free admission.