The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of Toronto’s premiere museums and home to the world’s largest collection of Canadian Art. Containing more than 5,000 works of art in 110 galleries, the AGO is one of North-America’s largest art museums. It is visited by thousands of tourists and local every year.
Collections at the Art Gallery of Ontario
That AGO has an impressive collection of over 80,000 works of art, spanning the 1st centrey to the present. Works of Canadian Artists make up more than half of AGO’s collection. The Canadian collection includes work from well-known Canadian artists as well as Inuit and Native art from the past and present. Along with the Canadian collection, the museum also has a large collection of European art, and African art. The gallery has more than 45,000 square meters (480,000 square feet) of physical space.
History of the Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Toronto was founded in 1900 under the name Art Museum of Toronto. It was renamed to the Art Gallery of Toronto in 1919 and then renamed to the Art Gallery of Ontario in 1966.
Art Gallery of Ontario Expansion
The AGO recently underwent a renovation effort that expanded the Gallery by 97,000 square feet and added more than 10,000 new works of art to its already impressive collection. The viewing area has also been expanded with the latest renovation. The redesigned Art Gallery of Ontario was designed by Frank Gehry, who happens to be an award-winning architect who grew up in Toronto. The building itself has become a popular Toronto landmark. The exterior of the building is stunning, featuring glass and wood beams, in a partial spaceship shape. The interior is just as nice, featuring wood accents all over. The center of the open space is a very large spiral staircase which is quite massive. The large glass skylights coupled with the warm colours of the interior wood and white walls gives the AGO a bright and relaxing atmosphere.
Visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario
The AGO is huge and there is something for everyone. Located in the Grange Park district of downtown Toronto, the AGO is located at 317 Dundas St. W, at the corner of Dundas and McCaul streets. There are 5 floors, two of which hold art, and the other three floors are used for shows, events and /or galas. There is also a new restaurant attached to the gift shop. On Wednesday nights, you can take advantage of AGO’s free Wednesday nights promotion from 6pm-8:30pm. The building is quite large so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Images the Art Gallery of Ontario
The entrance to the Art Gallery of Ontario (Wikimedia)
