The Three Watchmen
The Three Watchmen: Guardians of Ottawa
Maman: Ottawa's Iconic Spider Sculpture
Discover Louise Bourgeois's awe-inspiring Maman sculpture at the National Gallery of Canada, a monumental tribute to motherhood and artistic expression.
Maman, a monumental sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, stands proudly outside the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. This awe-inspiring bronze spider, over 30 feet tall, has become a beloved landmark, sparking curiosity and conversation with its intricate design and symbolic representation of motherhood.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Maman
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, Byward Market - Parliament Hill, Ontario, K1N 9N4, CA
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Getting There
Walking
From downtown Ottawa, the Maman sculpture is a pleasant walk through the city center. Head east towards the ByWard Market and then continue onto Sussex Drive. The National Gallery of Canada, with Maman in front, will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes from the heart of downtown.
Public Transport
OC Transpo buses provide convenient access to the National Gallery of Canada. Several bus routes stop near the gallery. From Mackenzie King Station, a short bus ride will take you to the gallery. Check the OC Transpo website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single fare is $3.70.
Driving
If driving, input 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4 into your GPS. The National Gallery of Canada is approximately a 10-minute drive north from the Metcalfe Exit off Highway 417. Paid underground parking is available. Parking costs $2.75 per half-hour, up to a maximum of $14 per day.
Local tips
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Take your time to walk around and under the sculpture to fully appreciate its scale and intricate details.
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Visit the National Gallery of Canada after viewing Maman to explore a diverse collection of Canadian and international art.
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Consider visiting at night to see the sculpture illuminated, creating a different and dramatic perspective.
Discover more about Maman
Louise Bourgeois's Maman is a colossal sculpture that has become an iconic fixture in Ottawa's cultural landscape. Erected in front of the National Gallery of Canada in 2005, this bronze, stainless steel, and marble sculpture depicts a spider reaching over 30 feet in height. The sculpture portrays a female spider carrying a sac containing 32 marble eggs, representing fertility, nurture, and protection.Bourgeois created Maman in 1999 as a tribute to her mother, who worked in a tapestry restoration workshop. The spider symbolizes her mother's strength, protectiveness, and skills as a weaver. Although the sculpture's size can be intimidating, it evokes a sense of wonder and invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of motherhood.The National Gallery of Canada acquired Maman in 2004 for $3.2 million. While the purchase was initially met with some controversy, the sculpture has since become a celebrated symbol of the gallery and the city. Maman is one of six bronze casts made by Bourgeois, with other versions residing in cities around the world. A steel version is on display at the Tate Modern in London and scheduled for re-exhibition in May 2025.
A brief summary to Maman
Use Maman as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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