The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) was established by the Ontario Society of Artists in 1900, and originally called ‘Art Museum of Toronto’. It’s first public display opened to much acclaim in 1913 with subsequent expansions done a few years later.
Today, AGO boasts an impressive 90,000 pieces spanning centuries from antiquity until now – plus its massive collection focusing on Canadian art as well as Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Sprawling 45 thousand square meters across North America – this gallery is one for the books! Throughout its history it has been home to some major iconic exhibitions which still continue today; making sure that each visit brings something new yet familiar at the same time.
A few years ago, the Art Gallery of Ontario in Canada arrived on the forefront of AR exhibits, promoted as “a new and magical way to experience art”.
With a custom app, visitors to the museum can view the collections through the lens of their smartphone or tablet to see artworks reimagined for modern times by artist Alex Mayhew.
You can get a glimpse of this effect in the trailer below:
While some might see overlaying classic paintings with augmented updates as gimmicky, it can actually be quite engaging for young museumgoers. In fact, both critics and audiences generally had positive reactions to this museum AR exhibit. This might be a good trick to get families into the museum, as with this gamification effect, will entertain especially younger visitors and this will get them involved and engaged.
They bring people together to see, experience and understand the world in new ways by presenting great art, facilitating learning, and engaging their audience. The AGO is a leading global conversation from Toronto through its extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs that reflect the people who live in the region.
Ticket options for Art Gallery of Ontario
All visitors 25 and under can get free, unlimited admission to the AGO!
Tickets for Art Gallery of Ontario: General Admission ($25)
Included:
– Instant ticket delivery
– Smartphone tickets accepted
– General Admission to the Art Gallery of Ontario
– Free cancellation included: cancel for free until 23:59 on the day before your visit
Skip the Line ticket for the Art Gallery of Ontario ($27)
Included:
– Instant ticket delivery
– Smartphone tickets accepted
– Fast Track Admission to the Art Gallery of Ontario
– Coat check
– Free cancellation included: cancel for free until 23:59 on the day before your visit
This is a great opportunity to explore the Art Gallery of Ontario and take some remarkable pictures. The gallery has some gorgeous and unique Canadian art, and it’s definitely worth taking a few hours to walk around and admire the building itself, which was designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
Enjoy and skip the line and if you get hungry, there’s a great bistro inside where you can grab something to eat and drink. View availability and book tickets below:
Paintings and art at the AGO highlights include
Rubens’ Massacre of the Innocents and an oil sketch for his Raising of the Cross, Rembrandt’s Portrait of a Lady with a Lap Dog, and portraits by Frans Hals and Anthony van Dyck.
This gallery features paintings by renowned masters such as Rembrandt, Hals, Poussin, Chardin, Delacroix, Renoir and Picasso, as well as sculptures by Rodin, Degas and Matisse. It is also home to the world’s largest and most comprehensive public collection of works by Henry Moore.
The gallery underwent an expansion in 1993, which included the construction of permanent displays of Inuit and contemporary art, as well as a Print and Drawing Study Center.
More recent additions to the gallery include significant collections of African and Oceanic art, as well as an expansion of the photography collection.
A substantial part of the permanent collection is composed of the work of Canadian artists dating from the 18th century to the present day.
On average, the gallery hosts about 20 special exhibitions each year.
What to do at Art Gallery of Ontario?
Wondering what to expect when visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario? The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the best places to rediscover art.
Here are the top things to do at the Art Gallery of Ontario:
- Explore AGO’s outstanding collection of Canadian Art!
- Travel around the world through African and Oceanic collection, which is one of the largest and most impressive in Canada.
- See AGO’s photography collection, that now has 40,000 artworks, as well as an extensive drawing and prints collection.
- Experience the majesty of works from the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
- Go on a 45-60 minute guided tour of the Gallery with a knowledgeable guide.
- Explore Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room”.
- Explore The Henry Moore Sculpture Center and Henry Moore Discovery Center that house the world’s largest public collection of famed artist Henry Moore’s work.
- Give your imagination a workout, as you tour AGO’s Contemporary Collection.
- Tour The Thomson Collection and witness artworks from the Italian Renaissance up to mid-1900s.
- Navigate Thomson Collection of Ship Models that span 350 years.
- Need something different to do after work? Join in on First Thursdays or AGO Friday Nights.
- Take part in art courses and workshops held round the year for all ages.
- Visit Kids Gallery with your family. Introduce kids to art by participating in Family Sundays.
- Join for art-making, constructing, storytelling, costume play and more at the Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Center.
- Be enchanted by the works of great artists as you explore travelling exhibitions that feature the best works of world renowned artists.
- Admire the architecture of AGO – from the spiral staircase by Frank Gehry to Galleria Italia, the glass and wood façade along Dundas Street.
- Drink a coffee at the Galleria Italia’s Espresso Bar.
How much does it cost to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario?
All visitors 25 and under can get free, unlimited admission to the AGO.
Annual passes, which include entry for an entire year, are $35. Single tickets start from $25 and Skip the Line from $27. Some select events may have additional charges. You can buy tickets below or at the door.
Note: Free entry on Wednesdays between 6-9 pm.
There are also discounts available for certain days and times. For example, Ontario high school students can get free entry to the Permanent Collection Tuesday through Friday after 3 pm (excluding surcharged exhibitions).
Art Gallery of Ontario opening hours
Tuesday: 10:30 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:30 – 21:00 (free entry between 18:00 – 21:00)
Thursday: 10:30 – 17:00
Friday: 10:30 – 21:00
Saturday. 10:30 – 17:30
Sunday: 10:30 – 17:30
Monday: Closed
How to get to AGO in Ontario?
Address: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
The Art Gallery of Ontario is located in Toronto’s Downtown Grange Park district, on Dundas Street West between McCaul Street and Beverley Street.
Parking: There are several paid parking lots around the AGO.
Public transport: Take the 505 to Dundas St West at Berverley or the 505 to McCaul Street. Or 510 to Spadina Ave, both stops are nearby.
More info about the AGO in Ontario
Visitors can unwind and indulge in a delicious meal at one of the 3 eateries that Art Gallery of Ontario boasts. CaféAGO and Galleria Italia’s Espresso Bar offer scrumptious meals, freshly baked goodies and quality coffee for all their patrons.
For those looking to take home souvenirs, there is an onsite Gift Shop as well as an online store with a vast array of products such as artwork pieces, literary works books & prints, jewelry items and plenty more!
