The Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, Canada, provides an open, inviting space for visitors. That’s no surprise as it’s one of the largest art museums in North America. The museum has 480,000 sq ft of physical space to display art!
Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
Art is in the eye of the beholder, however everyone has favorite styles and pieces. My favorite pieces in the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) were part of the Thomson Collection.
But let’s start with the Thomson Collection as a whole.
The collection was gifted to the Art Gallery of Ontario by Kenneth Thomson, 2nd Baron Thomson of Fleet. It consisted of about 2000 works valued at CA$300 million. Thomson also gave CA$50 million to the gallery for expansion and renovations, as well as CA$20 million for operations.
While there are many important pieces in the Thomson Collection, my favorite was the British ship models. The 3-D model collection is considered to be one of the finest of its kind.
Fast Fact: The Bristol ship model was made in 1774 by George Stockwell (1729 - 1805). Stockwell worked at Sheerness Dockyard as a professional shipbuilder and also produced scale models. As well as the scale model, the museum has a VR model. It was created by virtual-reality designers to show life aboard the real Bristol after it was converted to a floating prison docked near Chatham, in Kent, England.
~ OMA
When you think about it, without the 350 years of maritime history recreated here, North America would look very different! In my historical research, I often end up back at ships and experiences on the ocean.
I love today’s ocean cruises, but can’t imagine the weeks and months of living on these steamers!
Even the display cases are part of the “feel” of ocean travel. Designed by architect, Frank Gehry, the cases curve like the crest of a wave as they move across the wide open floor space.
What’s in the Art Gallery of Ontario?
The Art Gallery of Ontario has more than 120,000 works! The permanent collection includes historic and current artists.
These are the different galleries.
- Canadian art
- Indigenous art
- European art
- Modern art
- Contemporary art
- Arts of Global Africa & the Diaspora
- Photography
- Prints & Drawings
- The Thomson Collection
- Henry Moore Sculpture Centre
Fast Fact: The Thomson Collection features 300+ works from the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson. They were some of Canada's most influential early artists.
In addition, the Art Gallery also has a library and archives. It includes 380,000+ pieces. There are many rare books, catalogues, magazines, and more from the 17th century to now.
A dozen curators are in charge of the collection, each one working in the area of their expertise.
Various events open to the public are held in the art museum. They also have a number of educational programs to serve adults and young people.
Linda’s Favorite Artist
Tom Thomson is a name I remember well from my art history classes growing up in Canada. His work continues to influence Canadian art.
He used vibrant colors liberally, something I also like to do in my travel photography.
Thomson grew up in rural Ontario and enjoyed the outdoors. He took a lot of inspiration from his work. What did he do? Thomson worked as a fishing guide and forest ranger in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Thomson wasn’t one of the famous Canadian Group of Seven. Unfortunately, he drowned at the age of 39 in 1917, before the group was founded.
His work consists of around 400 oil sketches on small wood panels and about 50 canvas larger works. Most of his paintings are landscapes.
How can I learn more about Tom Thomson’s art?
If you’d like to see more of Tom Thomson’s work and learn more about his life, here are some of my favorite sources.
VIDEO: Canadian video profile of Tom Thomson on YouTube.
VIDEO: Tom Thomson: A Collection of 179 Works on YouTube.
WEBSITE: Tom Thomson Life & Work by David P. Silcox.
ON AMAZON:
Linda’s Road Trip Tips
I visit Toronto regularly, and rely on the subway rapid transit system to get around. It’s operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). On this visit, I took the subway to Toronto Union Station, then used the PATH to walk to the museum.
Fast Fact: The PATH is a 30+ km (18.6 miles) pedestrian walkway that's mostly underground in downtown Toronto. It links to public transit and 1200+ shops, restaurants and services.
From the art museum, it’s only a five minute walk to the Toronto Eaton Centre. The Toronto Eaton Centre is a large shopping mall in downtown Toronto that links to the subway and the PATH.
As well as having the perfect location, the shopping is also great. There are 230 stores and restaurants!
But rather than a restaurant, I decided to hit the food court.
Their food court, Urban Eatery, is gigantic! It covers 45,000 sq ft and seats nearly a thousand people. Food selections are excellent — I had their signature Bourbon Chicken combo at the Bourbon St. Grill.
There are lots of museums to see in downtown Toronto, so I haven’t visited them all. Check out the reviews of those I’ve already enjoyed:
- Hockey Hall of Fame & Museum (sports)
- Casa Loma (98 room historic house museum)
- Toronto’s First Post Office Museum (specialty museum)
- Museum of Illusions Toronto (science museum)
Who Should Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario?
Art lovers of any age will find lots to inspire them at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
The museum is accessible to everyone with a wide variety of customer service policies.
The Art Gallery of Ontario has lots of programming and attractions for families.
They provide art making activities to help kids become more creative, as well as offering activities like courses, workshops, dance parties, and more.
There’s always something new at the Gallery, too. They have a continuous rotation of exhibitions.
How Do You Visit the AGO?
The Art Gallery of Ontario is situated in downtown Toronto, Ontario. It’s accessible by car, subway, bus, and the PATH indoor pedestrian walkway.
Street Address: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Parking: You may want to park at the Toronto Eaton Centre. That will let you shop and eat, as well as visit the AGO. Here's a link to an open app providing parking details, booking, and fees.
Check the days open, hours, and admission fees on the AGO website.
Keep up to date with the latest news on the AGO Facebook page.
Take a virtual walkthrough of the AGO with Visit Toronto on YouTube.
Plan your visit with Google maps.
Read More Ontario Museum Reviews
Check out all these museum reviews for the Canadian province of Ontario!
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- Art Gallery of Ontario: Art Museum in Toronto, Ontario
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