Steely gray and shaped like an arrow pointed northward, the Winnipeg Art Gallery is as much of an art piece as the objects held inside.

The Winnipeg Art Gallery had operated since 1912, but not until 1970 did it warrant the construction of its own space. The Dean of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, John A. Russell, acted as project advisor and assisted in obtaining the land off Colony Street. Over 100 potential designs were submitted in an international design contest, but ultimately it was local architect Gustavo de Roza chosen for his striking Late-Modernist design.

The unornamented façade is made of smooth Manitoba Tyndall limestone, which features sharp modeling and tapered walls. Stepping into the building, the use of limestone carries over into the gallery walls. The main gallery space is on the third floor, accessible by a large Tyndall stone staircase or by elevator, and is bathed in light from the massive skylight from the rooftop sculpture garden. Fine art, from classical pieces to world-renowned Inuit art, occupy the gallery spaces.

Expansions and additions have taken place over the years, with the newest being the Inuit Art Centre in 2020.