Art Gallery of OntarioThe Art Gallery of Ontario (also known as AGO or Art Gallery Ontario) is Toronto's largest and most impressive art museum. If you're only going to have time to visit one gallery in Toronto, make it this one. 
At the recently expanded Art Gallery of Ontario, you'll find approximately 4,000 works of art on display at any one time. This is out of a total of 68,000 in its permanent collection. So don't think you're going to see everything in one visit, even if you're immune to museum fatigue and plan to stay all day. Canadian Art The AGO's collection of Canadian works includes pieces by the Group of Seven, Tom Thomson, Cornelius Krieghoff, Emily Carr, James William Morrice and other big-name historical figures. One gallery shows 19th century Canadian oil paintings clustered together like a huge puzzle, virtually blotting out the walls. In addition you'll find more recent artists such as Norval Morriseau, Genevieve Cadieux, Michael Snow and Kent Monkman. It's nice to see that more of the Inuit sculptures are upstairs now too, and both historical and contemporary pieces are shown (look for the plane!). EuropeanPicasso, Monet, Renoir… A large room of 17th century Dutch paintings, another of French Impressionism. A room devoted to surrealism (most of it European). Exquisite silver and ivory work. The Henry Moore Gallery Nothing says drama like an entire room of bone-like Moore sculptures. The Art Gallery of Ontario boasts the biggest public collection of Moores in the world. Don't forget the one outside too! (see photo above) African and Oceanic Sculpture, masks, shields. An amazing wall-hanging that looks like gold cloth that is really made of bottle-caps sewn together. Photography Finally, photography gets some respect. Historical and modern works. A lovely 19th century version of scrapbooking by an artist who painted the frames for her photos in her scrapbook. Galleria Italia No matter which sections you chose to see, one thing that you shouldn't miss is the new "Galleria Italia". This to me is the best part of the new expansion. On the second floor, this long, narrow, curving gallery space with wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking Dundas Street is a wonderful surprise. I heard several people actually gasp as they entered the space. It vaguely reminds me of a cross between the great hall in the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the BCE Place Galleria in downtown Toronto. Admire the view both inside and out, but here's a tip: DON'T sit on the bench. It isn't a bench! It's art by Giuseppe Penone. Pity the poor security guard, who told me that he had to remind people of that about every 30 seconds. (And you thought your job was repetitious.) Shopping & Dining in the Art Gallery of Ontario The usual museum gifts and books and prints. Fancy (and pricey) restaurant on the main floor facing Dundas Street – if you want to see and be seen. Cheaper (but not cheap!) option for us common folk downstairs (of course) serving sandwiches, coffees, snacks. Better bet: go outside, walk a few blocks to Baldwin Street (see below – In the Neighbourhood). Admission Fees, Hours and Current Exhibitions The gallery is the most expensive one in the city. If you're on a budget, check to see if they have any special free or cheaper nights available (these are usually for brief fixed periods). For current details see the gallery's web site at www.ago.net. In the Neighbourhood Baldwin Street – A few blocks north of Dundas Street. A busy little strip of restaurants and cafes. Includes Chinese, Indian and other offerings. I recommend John's Italian café (below) for the pizza.
Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD) – Made the news a couple of years ago due to the unusual architectural design of its expansion. Pillars shaped like crayons or coloured pencils hold up the two-story addition. One of those buildings that you don't want to get too close to unless it falls down on top of you. Certainly a conversation piece, though. Queen Street West – South of Dundas. Hip bars and restaurants and unique boutiques and smaller art galleries. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts – Home of the Canadian Opera Company. Hosts ballet and concerts as well. City Hall old and new – Within walking distance. Skate on the ice rink. Join the crowds for concerts. Shop at the annual Toronto Outdoor Art Show. You may enjoy: Toronto Tourism |
