Art Gallery of Ontario
There are so many amazing places to visit in Toronto, Canada! If you’re looking for something with a little culture, history and architecture – then you’ve come to the right place! Toronto is home to the Art Gallery of Ontario, one of the top art museums in North America. It’s not just an art museum either; it also houses stunning gardens, restaurants and even a planetarium. Whether your tastes run towards photography or paintings, the AGO has something for everyone! The gallery is free on Tuesdays, which makes it a perfect day trip from anywhere in Toronto. Troll through its permanent collection or don’t plan your visit at all; it’s up to you! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto:
Where is the Art Gallery of Ontario?Located in the downtown core of Toronto, the AGO is found right across the street from City Hall. The museum is in a beautiful, renovated building that was once the home of the Toronto Daily Star. There are a lot of great photos of the building on the AGO’s website! Even though it’s in the heart of the city, it feels like a quiet, secluded place. The AGO’s gardens are gorgeous, and the museum itself has lots of marble and wood. The galleries are filled with beautiful paintings, sculptures, and installations.
How to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario in TorontoThere are a few ways to get to the AGO. The easiest way is to hop on the street car. There are stops near the gallery and you can use this to get around the city. The second way is to take the GO Transit to Union Station. This is a station that has a few train lines that go out to Scarborough along with some lines that travel to the surrounding cities. You can then take the train to the AGO. You can also take the bus to Union Station or walk. The AGO is very close to both the subway stations that go there. The last way is to arrange a tour. If you’re going with a group, you can easily arrange a private tour. Otherwise, you can arrange a tour with some of the tour companies nearby.
What to see at the Art Gallery of Ontario in TorontoThere are so many things to see at the AGO in Toronto! If you’re a photography fan, you’ll love the permanent collection. The photography gallery has works from the 1800s to the current day. Pick up a free booklet when you first get there and learn about the AGO’s photography collection. If you like art from the Middle Ages to the late 20th century, the Modern Art gallery is perfect. It has works from the early Renaissance to the 20th century. It also has a nice outdoor garden that’s a great place to sit and relax. There are also historic buildings to explore. The AGO is in the historic Distillery District. This is a really cute neighbourhood filled with restaurants and shops. You can explore the historic buildings and see where they used to make whiskey and other liquor!
The permanent collection at the AGO in TorontoThe permanent collection at the AGO in Toronto is absolutely stunning. There are works from so many different artists, including Paul Cezanne, Roy Lichtenstein, Vincent Van Gogh, Mary Mary, and more! There are also pieces from artists who are still alive, like Riopelle, Muntz, and McTavish. There are also pieces from the 19th century, like the Impressionists, as well as pieces from the 20th century, like Robert Rauschenberg’s “Cubes”. If you like photography, there is a photography gallery that has works from the 15th century to the present day. There are also three floors of temporary exhibitions that change every few months. There are also sculptures and gardens on the grounds.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the best museums in North America. It’s a wonderful place to visit, especially if you’re a fan of art. If you’re going, make sure to check out the gardens, take a photo in front of the gallery, eat at the restaurants near the AGO, and explore the historic district. The AGO is free on Tuesdays, and it’s one of the best ways to spend a day in Toronto!