Art Gallery of Ontario

Description:

• The AGO is one of North America's largest art museums and an important cultural destination in this country. Its collection boasts more than 79,000 works that span nearly two millennia. From iconic Canadiana, to African and Oceanic artifacts, to European Masters and a photography collection 40,000 images strong, the AGO offers multimedia content that is multicultural in scope. Its recent expansion at the hands of internationally recognized archtitect, Frank Gehry, has created more space for special programming and new installations. Exploring themes like identity politics and nuclear holocaust, these installations break classifcation systems and artistic boundaries by fusing the aesthetics and politics of various visual traditions. Blending contents from the European galleries with contemporary and new media work, patrons are gently challenged to engage with new ways of seeing and thinking about art.
  
  A continual cycle of special exhibitions ensures that the gallery's vast collection remains fresh and satisfying. And the cost of admission yields a double treat: you can wander from the world's largest public collection of sculpture by Henry Moore, into the space that defines Gehry's hometown debut. Soak up some natural light as you stroll through his glass and Douglas fir facade, then climb his spiralling sculptural staircases as you move between galleries. At the top, find refreshment at the espresso bar that looks out over Grange Park. Stay to watch the sunshine fade and Toronto's lights come on - the altered, illuminated cityscape makes a beautiful backdrop for your climb back down. 
  
• © NileGuide2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010