One of Toronto’s most beloved art museums is getting a whole new look thanks to a $35 million dollar donation that will push forth the project. The AGO is launching an expansion project that will see an increased gallery space and several new galleries.

According to the AGO, thanks to a $35-million dollar donation by Chairman and CEO of Canada Goose Dani Reiss, the art museum will be able to launch the expansion which will see an increase of 40,000 square feet to its gallery space and “at least” 13 new galleries across five floors. Overall, the estimated construction development costs at this early stage is about $100 million.

This will increase the AGO’s total space for art by 30%.

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Eager to learn more? Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect:

ago expansion
Rendering by Play-Time, courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect.

The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will have “galleries of various scale and ceiling height,” according to the release.

It will expand the museum eastward and sits one story above the existing loading dock which is located between the AGO and OCAD.

ago expansion
Rendering courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects, and Two Row Architect.

As for its interior, according to the art museum, “the new column-free galleries will be highly-functional and highly flexible — dynamic enough to display the works of today’s great modern and contemporary artists, and adaptable to the needs of future generations of artists working across all media.”

ago expansion
Rendering courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects, and Two Row Architect.

“It will seamlessly connect to, and be accessed by, a number of galleries in the AGO’s existing galleries from four locations, increasing visitor circulation.”

The exterior will also see an upgrade that will complement the AGO’s existing face including an outdoor terrace that connects both the interior and exterior sides of the building.

ago expansion
Rendering by Play-Time, courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect.

During expansion and construction, the AGO will remain open except for adjacent gallery spaces to the construction site that may close for some time.

We love some great expansion news and can’t wait to see how it turns out! As of right now, the project is in the early stages of the municipal and public review process and construction is expected to start in 2024.

Its completion date has yet to be announced but due to its magnitude, it’s safe to say we’ll have to wait for quite some time.

Curiocity Staff

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