The Mendel Art Gallery’s founder was Fred Mendel, a successful businessman and art collector who built Intercontinental Packers in Saskatoon in the 1940’s. In the early 60’s, he decided the way he wanted to thank the city for his success was to build a public art museum so that everyone could come and share his passion. With his financial donation, matched by the province, a stunning location was selected alongside the river and architects across the country competed to design the new gallery.

Main Entrance of the Mendel – photo courtesy of the Mendel Art Gallery

The Mendel opened on October 16, 1964. The building fell into the design category of ‘modernist architecture’ which is distinguished primarily by the elimination of ornament and simplification of form. In 1965, Fred Mendel made another donation. This time he donated 13 paintings, some of them being from the Group of Seven, from his private collection. From this donation, the gallery began its collection which today encompasses thousands of pieces and is the largest collection of art in Saskatchewan.

From the beginning, the gallery had a conservatory attached to the side of the building. Year round, but especially when it is most needed in the winter, visitors to the gallery can step into a tropical oasis comprised of all sorts of vegetation. There is nothing better when it is -35 Celsius outside than to walk amongst the plants or just sit on a bench and imagine that you’re somewhere hot and sunny. The ceiling stretches high above you, making room for the taller plants, including an honest-to-goodness banana tree.

The Mendel Conservatory – photo courtesy of the Mendel Art Gallery

Flora and Fauna in the Mendel Conservatory

On the main floor there are 3 main galleries through which shows are rotated on a regular basis from both the Mendel’s own collection and from touring exhibitions. Besides these galleries, there are two transitional areas, one upstairs and one down, where smaller exhibits are shown.

Artist Michael Hosaluk giving a talk at the opening of his exhibition ‘Containment’
Photo courtesy of the Mendel Art Gallery

The Mendel has always been very responsive to the needs of the community and showcasing local artists and talent. The Mendel annually shows some of the best and talented artists from local schools throughout the city. During the 100th birthday of the city, exhibits have focused on some of the history of the city ranging from celebrities such as Joni Mitchell to other notable or eccentric citizens. Often the Mendel holds talks or discussions on different topics as well as programs for children to gain an appreciation for and create their own art. An especially important way that the Mendel reaches the entire population of the city is that admission to the gallery is absolutely free (a donation is suggested).

Besides the gallery space and conservatory, the building also encompasses an auditorium space, a tea lounge, a gift store focusing on unique art, collectables and toys and a small Japanese meditation garden out front.

Japanese Meditation Garden – photo courtesy of the Mendel Art Gallery

As you can see, the Mendel is an extraordinary building which is the epitome of a multi-purpose facility. However, after 40 years of its initial opening, the Mendel is no longer sufficient to handle all the demands placed upon it, nor the size of its collection. A much needed project has been initiated to renovate and expand the facility to the tune of $18 million. When the project comes to fruition, the Mendel will only reach even higher levels of service than generations of Saskatoon residents have come to expect. The Mendel is definitely one of the jewels of Saskatoon and any visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without a trip here.

UPDATE – April 9, 2007:

The Mendel has a new coffee lounge called Museo Coffee, run by the former head barista of caffè sola. I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet but it sounds as though it will make a great addition to the gallery.

The Mendel Art Gallery
50 Spadina Crescent East

306 975-7610