Art Gallery of Ontario : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of Canada’s premier art galleries. The AGO has a long and interesting history of art collecting, curating, and presentation that stretches back over 135 years. Here you can explore the vast collection of works in the AGO’s permanent collection, take in exciting and thought-provoking exhibitions, or participate in public programs. In this blog post we will provide you with interesting facts, information and travel guides for visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario. We’ll start off with a brief history of the AGO, then discuss the different kinds of art you will find here. Finally, you will learn about some of the special events and programs the AGO has to offer. With this information, you’ll be prepared to make the most of your visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Interesting Facts About Art Gallery of Ontario

1. The Art Gallery of Ontario is the fifth-largest art museum in North America.

2. The AGO is home to more than 95,000 works of art, ranging from historical to contemporary.

3. The AGO’s Vincent van Gogh painting, The Night Café, is the most valuable artwork in the gallery, valued at over $50 million.

4. In 2018, the AGO opened its new galleries, renovations, and public spaces as part of a 10-year transformation project.

5. The AGO initiated the world’s first augmented reality (AR) art tour called AGO Backstage Pass in 2020.

6. The AGO has a massive sculpture garden called the Lillian Sellers Sculpture Garden with over 50 sculptures.

7. The AGO is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of Canadian art.

8. Possible Worlds, an immersive and interactive virtual art show was hosted at the AGO in 2020.

9. On the day of the gallery’s opening in 1919, 7,000 people visited.

10. The AGO was named one of the stars of the Toronto International Film Festival’s City to City spotlight in 2018.

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History & Information About Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is located in Toronto, Ontario and is the largest art museum in the province of Ontario. It was founded in 1900 by a group of private citizens and was originally known as the Art Museum of Toronto. The museum was initially housed in the main central branch of Toronto’s public library. In 1919, the Art Museum of Toronto was renamed the Art Gallery of Toronto and was incorporated as a non-profit organization. In 1925, the Art Gallery of Toronto received a substantial donation from the Canadian industrialist 24-year-old Joseph Bristow to purchase North American and European works of art.

In 1948, the Art Gallery of Toronto moved to its current building on Dundas Street West. It had been purpose-built for the museum by the architectural firm of Darling and Pearson. On September 14, 1910, Queen Elizabeth II gave the museum its current name, the ‘Art Gallery of Ontario’.

In 1974, the Art Gallery of Toronto was certified to receive works of art from the federal government. This made the AGO the first art museum in Toronto to receive works of art from the government.

Since its opening, the Art Gallery of Ontario has collected more than 90,000 works of art and has attracted more than 9 million visitors in its lifetime. The AGO is known for its large collection of Canadian art, from the Group of Seven to today’s leaders in contemporary art. It also has many works of non-Canadian art, including artwork from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The AGO has earned recognition for its critically acclaimed special exhibitions, collections, public programs and special events.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Art Gallery of Ontario

1. Plan Your Trip: Before you head off to the Art Gallery of Ontario, make sure to plan your visit. Research the current exhibitions and decide which pieces you’d like to see, as well as any events that may be happening during your stay.

2. Buy Tickets Online: The Art Gallery of Ontario offers discounted admission prices when you buy your tickets online. Also, some special exhibitions might not be included in the general admission, so be sure to check out these options and get your tickets in advance.

3. Get Around: Since the Art Gallery of Ontario is located in downtown Toronto, you will want to find the best way to get there. If you’re staying in the city, you can take public transportation or a taxi. If you’re coming from outside the city, consider carpooling or renting a car.

4. Explore the Collection: Spend some time taking in the permanent collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario. From works by the Group of Seven to European paintings, the gallery is home to over 95,000 pieces of art. Don’t forget to check out the contemporary art galleries as well.

5. Check Out Special Exhibitions: The Art Gallery of Ontario always has some special exhibitions on display and these can range from international shows to local displays. Be sure to check out the catalogue so you know what’s on during your stay.

6. Stop for Lunch: After taking in the gallery, consider grabbing some lunch at the onsite restaurant. From sushi to burgers, there are plenty of options to choose from while you take a break.

7. Get Familiar with the Shop: On the way out, make sure to spend time in the Art Gallery of Ontario shop. It’s packed with unique prints, books, and gifts. You can also pick up items related to the current and past exhibitions.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Art Gallery of Ontario

Q: What are the hours of operation for the Art Gallery of Ontario?

A: The Art Gallery of Ontario is open seven days a week – Sunday and Monday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm; Tuesday 10:00 am to 8:30 pm; Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Q: Are there any admission fees?

A: General admission to the Art Gallery of Ontario is free for Ontario residents on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. All other visits require regular admission fee.

Q: Is there a café/restaurant onsite?

A: Yes, there is both a café and a restaurant inside the Art Gallery of Ontario. The café serves light meals and beverages while the restaurant offers a full menu.

Q: Are there educational resources available?

A: The Art Gallery of Ontario offers a variety of educational resources such as family and school programs, classes, and workshops. Additionally, the gallery also offers individual and group tours with knowledgeable staff members. Be sure to check the website for upcoming events and programs.

Q: Is photography allowed in the galleries?

A: Yes, photography is allowed in the galleries with no flash. Photos can be taken for personal use only; visitors are not permitted to use photos for commercial purposes.

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