In 1900, a group of Canadian residents established an art museum, which now holds 80,000 works from the past 20 centuries.
See over 80,000 art pieces and 40,000 photographs, following the world’s artistic movements from the first century to the present day at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Admire portraits by Rembrandt van Rijn and impressionist paintings by Claude Monet and browse the Canadian Collection for local art. The gallery’s glass facade allows views of downtown Toronto and Grange Park.
The gallery opened its doors in 1900. Just over a decade later it moved to its current home in a 19th-century mansion, donated by a British historian. Today, with over half a million people visiting the gallery each year, it is Canada’s most visited art museum.
The exhibits are spread over five levels. Take a free guided and themed tour to discover the stories behind the works of art.
The main attraction is AGO’s private collection, the result of over a century of art purchases and donations. The Canadian Collection focuses on art from Toronto and the wider Ontario area, including work by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, renowned Canadian landscape painters. The Renaissance Trail walks you through the European collection with work by old masters: Picasso, van Gogh and other famous artists.
Don’t miss the huge photo collection, with outstanding pictures by the Czech Josef Sudek and the Englishman Linnaeus Tripe. Traveling exhibitions about ancient and modern art keep the museum interesting for returning visitors.
Get souvenir copies of the artworks at the shopAGO. The in-house restaurant, café and espresso bar provide drinks and meals.Located in Grange Park, the gallery can be reached by foot from downtown. Street parking is available, but it is quite expensive. Public transportation, such as the subway or streetcar, is an easier option.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is open daily, except Mondays. Visit AGO for free on Wednesday nights. Special collection admission fees apply, but are discounted on Wednesday nights. Admission is cheaper for students and children those under five enter for free. Save money with a Family Pass. Check the official website for current prices, topics of the special exhibits and tour schedules.
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