The Varley Art Gallery of Markham is a vital cultural hub for artists and diverse communities. 

Varley Art Gallery of Markam

A municipal gallery, we create critical conversations about Canadian art and society. We inspire local and national audiences to engage with art through outstanding exhibitions and rich public and educational programs relevant to the communities we serve. We support artists from York region and seek to broaden access to the arts for diverse artists and cultural groups. We also share and celebrate the life and work of F. H. Varley, a founding member of the Group of Seven.

The Varley Art Gallery is situated on the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples including the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

Our Programs

  • Rotating art exhibitions
  • Public events: lectures, talks, tours, workshops, complementing Varley exhibitions.
  • Art Camps in summer, winter, and March Break
  • Art Classes for students from the age of four to senior citizen
  • Educational programs: field trips, activities and tours tied to the Ontario curriculum
  • Professional Development for Teachers
  • Publications that accompany Varley exhibitions
  • Organization and circulation of touring exhibitions
  • Private and corporate event rentals at the Varley Art Gallery; studio and exhibition rentals at the McKay Art Centre
  • A Volunteer Program operated by the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham
A woman wearing a light brown top and gold glasses smiling.

Our Team

Our team is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts community. Comprised of passionate professionals and art enthusiasts, we work collaboratively to curate exceptional exhibitions, deliver engaging public programs, and support local and national artists. Our commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement drives everything we do, ensuring that every visitor has a meaningful and enriching experience. Meet the people who make the Varley Art Gallery a cornerstone of cultural life in our region.

Meet our Team

Funders and Supporters

TD logo   
Ontario Art Council
Ontario

Contact Us

For private, in-person group tours, please contact Varley@Markham.ca

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday to Friday: 12 to 4 PM
Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
Monday: Closed

Admission:

Admission to the gallery is FREE.
Sponsored by TD Bank Group.

Location

The Varley Art Gallery of Markham is conveniently located in
the historic village of Unionville in the City of Markham.

216 Main Street Unionville
Markham, Ontario, L3R 2H1

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about the Varley Art Gallery, including exhibitions, programs, and services. For more information, feel free to contact us.
From Toronto, take Highway 401:
  • Take Highway 404 north
  • Exit take Highway 7
  • Go east on Highway 7
  • Turn left onto Main Street Unionville
  • The Gallery is located several blocks north at the intersection of Main Street and Carlton Road, at the top of the village
From Toronto, take Highway 407:
  • Exit Kennedy Road
  • Head North on Kennedy Road toward Highway 7
  • Turn left onto Highway 7
  • Turn right onto Main Street Unionville
  • The Gallery is located several blocks north at the intersection of Main Street and Carlton Road, at the top of the village.
Take advantage of the ample free parking behind our many Main Street shops. Please note: Pedestrian safety is our #1 concern. Main Street's cobblestone boulevards teem with visitors, so the following restrictions are in place: Parking is prohibited on the cobblestone boulevards of Main Street
  • on holidays, on Saturdays & on Sundays
  • every day from 6 PM until 6 AM
Portions of Main Street may be closed to vehicles during certain events. Closures will be noted with each event.
Unionville is served locally by YRT/VIVA and regionally by GO Transit trains and buses from the Unionville GO Station. For routes and schedules, use these contacts.
York Region Transit/VIVA
Website: www.yorkregiontransit.com
Phone Number: 905-762-2100, Toll-Free: 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978)
GO Transit
Website: www.gotransit.com
Phone Number: 416-869-3200, Toll-Free: 1-888-GET ON GO (438-6646)
TTC
Website: www.ttc.ca
Phone Number: 416-393-4636
YRT and VIVA Service on Weekends
Option #1
  1. From the Finch Subway Station, take the VIVA Blue north to the Richmond Hill Centre
  2. Transfer to the YRT route #1 Schedule
  3. Arrive at stop #4169 Highway 7/Main Street Unionville
  4. Walk approximately 5 minutes north from this stop
Option #2
  1. From the Finch Subway Station, take the VIVA Blue to the Richmond Hill Centre
  2. Transfer to the VIVA Purple bus
  3. At Town Centre Boulevard, transfer to the Unionville Local Bus (#40) Schedule
  4. Arrive at Carlton Road
YRT and VIVA Service on Weekdays
Option#1
  1. From the Finch Subway Station, take the VIVA Blue or Pink to the Richmond Hill Centre
  2. Transfer to route #1 bus
  3. Arrive at stop #4169 Highway 7/Main Street Unionville
  4. Walk approximately 5 minutes north from this stop
Option #2
  1. From the Finch Subway Station, take the VIVA Blue to the Richmond Hill Centre
  2. Transfer to the VIVA Purple bus
  3. At Town Centre Boulevard, transfer to the Unionville local bus (#40)
  4. Arrive at Carlton Road
Option #3
  1. From the Finch Subway Station, take the VIVA Blue to the Richmond Hill Centre
  2. Transfers to the VIVA Purple. (VIVA lines run every 5 to 10 minutes.)
  3. Arrive at Kennedy Road
  4. Walk 5 to 10 minutes west to Main Street; walk north approximately 5 minutes