The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), at 317 Dundas St W in downtown Toronto, brings Canadian, Indigenous and international art together in a building reshaped by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry. Look for works by the Group of Seven, European painters such as Monet and Rubens, and contemporary artists. The galleries also include a collection of ship models and changing exhibitions. Glass and wood, a sculptural staircase and quiet places to sit make the building part of the visit, whether you stay for a few galleries or spend several hours exploring.
Canadian and Indigenous art
The AGO’s collection spans Canadian and Indigenous art as well as works from Europe and elsewhere. The Canadian galleries include paintings by the Group of Seven, known for their landscapes. Indigenous works are an important part of the collection, with art by First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists. Together, these galleries offer a way to explore art made in Canada across different communities and periods.
The gallery also displays work by European artists including Claude Monet and Peter Paul Rubens. The wider collection moves from historical art to contemporary pieces, so a visit can take you between very different styles and subjects.
Architecture by Frank Gehry
The AGO combines an earlier gallery building with a major expansion designed by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry, opened to the public in 2008. Its long glass-and-wood frontage runs along Dundas Street. Inside, the sculptural staircase and light-filled spaces make the architecture easy to notice as you move between galleries.
The building is worth looking at alongside the collection. Its curved forms and broad windows create a contrast with the artworks on display, and the gallery’s quiet seating areas offer places to pause between rooms.
Ship models and changing exhibitions
The Thomson Collection of Ship Models is on the lower level. Its detailed boats make a change of pace from paintings and sculpture, and are a good stop for visitors interested in maritime models. The gallery also holds changing exhibitions, so the displays can differ between visits. Check the AGO’s website to see what is on during your trip.
Some exhibitions include interactive elements, while others focus on particular artists or collections. The gallery has also presented work by artists such as Pacita Abad and Yayoi Kusama; the availability of specific exhibitions changes over time.
Planning your visit
The AGO is at 317 Dundas St W in downtown Toronto. Its scale makes it sensible to choose a few priorities before you arrive, especially if you have only an afternoon. The Canadian and Indigenous galleries, the ship models and the architectural spaces are distinct parts of the visit, but trying to cover everything can take considerably longer.
The gallery is closed on Mondays. Admission is free on Wednesday evenings after 6 p.m., according to the information provided, and that period can be popular. Check the AGO website for current admission and exhibition details before setting out. The building has a café and restaurant, and the gallery provides accessible entrances, restrooms and seating.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Art Gallery of Ontario?
The AGO is at 317 Dundas St W in downtown Toronto.
Is admission free at the Art Gallery of Ontario?
Admission is free on Wednesday evenings after 6 p.m. Check the AGO website for current ticket and admission details.
How long should I spend at the AGO?
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to explore. The collection is extensive, and it is easy to spend longer in individual galleries.
What should I see at the Art Gallery of Ontario?
Look for Canadian and Indigenous art, paintings by the Group of Seven, the ship models on the lower level and the Frank Gehry-designed spaces.
Is the Art Gallery of Ontario open on Mondays?
No. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
