Art Gallery of Ontario
Frank Gehry’s magnificent $276-million expansion, which includes the addition of a titanium-covered tower, has added 47 per cent more exhibit space for housing the gallery’s collection, which now includes thousands of works donated by the late media baron Kenneth Thomson. Thomson’s tastes ran the gamut, from ancient Chinese snuff bottles to model ships to paintings by Canada’s own Group of Seven. The historic collections are housed in a dozen or so galleries on the first two levels, while the top floors are devoted to modern and contemporary art by such greats as Gerhard Richter, Michael Snow, Andy Warhol, and Mona Hatoum. Among the most impressive features of the new building is a loopy staircase that starts inside the museum and spirals upwards through a glass ceiling; and a promenade, built out of glass and Douglas fir, which runs the entire length of the north façade. The new addition might not have the same “wow factor” as Bilbao, but according to New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff, this “may be one of Mr. Gehry’s most gentle and self-possessed designs.” $18
– Photos by Sean Weaver, courtesy AGO Photo resources
Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas St W (Map It)
416 979 6648
Tue 10-5:30, Wed 10-8:30, Thu-Sun 10-5:30
