The Art Gallery of Ontario (also known as the AGO) is home to the largest collection of Canadian art. Special exhibits are also often held here featuring artists from all over the world and different time periods. Some of my favourites include Ai Weiwei: According to What? and Francis Bacon and Henry Moore: Terror and Beauty. The art gallery also happens to be free Wednesday night (and cheaper for special exhibits) which is another inclination to go!
While exploring, we found ourselves with a lovely view of Toronto in addition to some abstract art, which is very different from the historical pieces I’ve grown accustomed to while travelling in Europe. The gallery building itself is an architectural feat with a mix of minimalism and decoration.
Permanent Collection
One thing that stands out about the AGO is the variety available in the permanent collection. While I took pictures of many of the modern pieces and mediums like metal work and photography, there were historical pieces and decorations reflecting different cultures that amazed me with the amount of details involved. The Canadian artists like the Group of Seven are also featured in a way that is not overwhelming despite the amount of paintings that are there.
First Thursdays
AGO is also home to First Thursdays. Every first Thursday of the month at 7 pm, the AGO transforms into a venue for music, food, and drinks for art lovers. The most recent First Thursday (Sept. 1) featured Mykki Blanco, a rapper and activist from New York. If interested, make sure to buy tickets in advance as they are often sold out at the door.
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317 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON, M5T 1G4
1.877.225.4246 or 416.979.6648
Mon Closed
Tues 10:30am-5pm
Wed 10:30am-9pm
Thurs 10:30am-5pm
Fri 10:30am-9pm
Sat-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm
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Stone & Fern is a travel and lifestyle blog started by friends who have a passion for exploring cities, capturing moments, and trying new food. To see more of North America, click here.
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