Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the largest art museums in North America
The Art Gallery of Ontario or AGO contains in excess of 80,000 works of art, some from as far back as the year 100 AD.
Originally founded in the year 1900, the Art Gallery of Ontario became somewhat 'disjointed' after numerous expansions and major renovations over many years. Finally in 2008 the gallery reopened after an expansion project, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, that masterfully brought all of the existing spaces together. This expansion increased the space available for viewing art by nearly one-half. The overall facility is an impressive 583,000 square feet.
Canadian art makes up more that half of the gallery's collection. The AGO also features a large collection of European art, with a very significant collection of Medieval and Renaissance decorative arts. The gallery exhibits major works of art by many renowned artists, including Rembrandt van Rijn, Emile Antoine Bourdelle, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Tintoretto, Frans Hals, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Thomas Gainsborough, Auguste Rodin, and Edgar Degas.
Your admission to the gallery includes a 60 minute highlights tour that explores not only the art, but also the architecture of the AGO. This tour runs daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm and 3pm and also on Wednesday evening at 7pm.
On Wednesday evenings after 6 pm you can visit the gallery for free! The AGO is baby friendly and fun for the whole family. They also have a restaurant, cafe, bar and Gift shop. For additional information about the AGO see the official site below.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes Free on Wednesday evenings after 6pmArt Gallery of Ontario Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada
Phone: (416) 979-6648
Official Website: Art Gallery of Ontario
Art Gallery of Ontario Reviews
Rated out of 5
Visited AGO on a Friday night for a music event it was so cool! They even calculated our heart rate and showed results on how art affected us, like when we got excited or spent more time on a piece. Loved the Picasso and contemporary art sections. A fantastic and interactive experience!
Sally K - 3 weeks ago
We visited AGO for a morning visit during our spot in Toronto, and I am so glad that we did! The gallery was super exciting with lots of great exhibitions and permanent collections that spanned styles and decades of art! Even the building itself is a marvel, with unique structures inside and out!
Miriam Bitango - a week ago
We spent hours immersed in creativity. It’s a great place to visit for art lovers and anyone looking to appreciate incredible works in a peaceful and inspiring setting. They open late then most of the gallery places in the city.
Pj - in the last week
A massive art gallery in town! If you’re an art lover, you might end up spending almost 5 hours there, just like I did. I still haven’t seen all the zones, so I’ll definitely be back! Fortunately, I purchased a membership, which is totally worth it for regular visits. If you’re worried about navigating the space, there are staff members to assist with directions, plus maps are available. There’s also a cafe inside for drinks, but no food is allowed beyond that area.
Tips before you visit:
1.Avoid bringing a large bag unless you’re okay with using the coat check.
2.No food or drinks are allowed in the gallery.
3.Memberships or annual passes will save you time, especially during peak hours.
4. Check their website to see the current exhibitions so you won’t missed one of your favorites
Rein deer - a month ago
I enjoy this place and even began taking adult art classes here on Fridays. Never been to the restaurant so can’t comment on that but the gift shop is delightful. I like the new exhibits they offer and mostly like their permanent collection. Lots of interesting programming and a great atmosphere for some reflective artistic solo time or even a cultured date!
Shadowpath - 4 months ago
Directions
| TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yonge-University-Spadina Line | St. Patrick Station | 5 MInutes |
How to get to Art Gallery of Ontario by TTC Subway
No bus needed. Exit the station and walk west along Dundas Street West for 3½ blocks or 5 minutes. The AGO is on your left.
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Accommodations near Art Gallery of Ontario :
Photo Gallery
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Back face of the Art Gallery of Ontario cc licensed photo by Ian Muttoo -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Timothy Neesam (GumshoePhotos) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg - cc license via Flickr
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