While on my vacation in British Columbia, me and my sketchbook took in the "Of Heaven and Earth: 500 Years of Italian Painting from Glasgow Museums" exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery. There was several dozen amazing examples of Italian art, from religious paintings of the late Middle Ages to secular works of the 19th century. All of them were astounding, with colors and details feeling so vivid. The paintings were presented in chronological order, so a visitor could see the influences evolve over the five century span.
If you're in the Vancouver area, I highly recommend you take in this exquisite collection.