The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) is a public art gallery, dedicated to connecting people and ideas through art. In over 60 years, KWAG has grown from a small, locally-focused volunteer organization to a major force in the Canadian art world.

Located inside the Centre in the Square, KWAG provides contemporary and historical exhibitions along with art education experiences for children and adults. Exhibitions of painting, sculpture, drawings, photography, prints and video are designed to encourage thought and discussion. Their annual exhibition of local student artwork called Expressions celebrates and promotes the next generation of creativity in Waterloo Region.

Since 1958, KWAG has collected, preserved and exhibited visual arts. Its emphasis is on contemporary art, often premiering works by Canadian and international artists. Exhibitions frequently draw from the gallery’s extensive Permanent Collection, which features over 4000 works from artists that include Pablo Picasso and members of the Group of Seven.  Pieces from the permanent collection can also be found outside of KWAG in venues such as the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics, the Centre for International Governance Innovation, and the administrative headquarters of the Region of Waterloo. These community partnerships, along with loans to other art institutions, allow KWAG to reach new and diverse audiences. Tours through the permanent collection vault are available throughout the year.

Along with its wide variety of exhibits, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery offers a number of different programs throughout the year, designed to educate and inspire creativity. Adult, youth, children, and families can take part in programs ranging from artist talks and DIY workshops, to art explorations and Family Art Hangouts. KWAG also offers interactive school tours for both elementary and secondary students.

The gallery is free to visit and explore, and is open before most performances at the Centre in the Square.