Maud Lewis House- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

1723 Hollis Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V9
902 424 5280

Tracy had purchased tickets to the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and had invited me to join her on a road trip. Of course I said “Yes, please!” We arrived early in Halifax and happily strolled around downtown sightseeing in a steady drizzle. Walking up to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, I proposed we go inside. “Maud Lewis’s actual home is on display inside.” Tracy, sounding intrigued said, “Oh that is pretty cool.” She slid her eyes towards her son, who was already heading up the walkway. He is a budding young artist himself.

As much as I want to tell you about what other exhibits we pondered over, I cannot. It was more of a quick browse through the halls. The magnetism of seeing Maud’s little house overshadowed the gallery’s other accomplished artists.

A few years ago I wrote the post Marshalltown, Nova Scotia, where Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis and her husband Everett Lewis lived, painted and sold her artwork from

After years of decay their tiny home was saved, restored and given a permanent home within the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. This house is her most famous work of art.

There was a small crowd gathered in the room and we impatiently danced from foot to foot awaiting our turn to get a look inside. Once it came into full view, my first thought was, how could two people live in there? But once I got a closer look at the cheerfully painted interior it seemed so inviting, my initial impression was dismissed and replaced by, it was probably all a couple would need. Tracy stepped up to the doorway and peered through the Plexiglas scanning the interior from left to right, then, nodding her head, impressed, declared, “I could live here.” I agreed. “It is charming.”

Moving back from the home, we took our time looking at her paintings on display. Her distinct style is incredibly lighthearted in spite of the hardship of her life. Each stroke of her brush filled with the beauty she observed in the world around her.

Top Left: White Cat, Cat with ball of yarn, Three black Cats.

Middle top Loading Hay with Dog, Middle Bottom: Oxen Team Plowing

Top right: Sleigh Ride

Bottom; Everett Lewis; Oxen With Two Women And A Cow.

This is really an excellent art gallery. Our budding artist (teenager) really enjoyed his first visit too!

I recommend at least an hour to explore the gallery, There is plenty to see and do. Check out the website for upcoming events https://agns.ca/

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Mondays

Admission: Adults -$12. Seniors 60 plus-$10. Student with ID -$7. Families (2 adults 3 youth)- $25. Youth 6-12 is $5. Indigenous peoples, members and children under 5 - Free.

Happy Travels from Maritimemac.

No gifts grants or money was received for this post, it was my own experience.