shopAGO

Looking for quality Toronto or Canadian souvenirs? Then this is the place to purchase them. All sorts of goodies: cards, t-shirts, jewellery, art books, home accessories, kids toys, and more. A large and well laid out store.

I really love the creative products at this art gallery gift shop! The small items, like magnets and mugs are super cute. They make perfect souvenirs to take home. Every piece has an artistic vibe, making it the perfect stop after enjoying the exhibitions. Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates art and design!

Nice museum store. I recommend to go there to find pictures, posters, cards as a souvenir. It’s good sorted. Welcoming staff.I really liked the art of „clever clippers“. Check the online store first, it was cheaper there and they adjusted the price.

Museum shops play a crucial role in supporting the cultural and educational missions of their institutions. Unlike flea markets or retail stores, where the primary goal is profit, museum shops offer products that often reflect the exhibits and collections, contributing to the museum's overall experience. The revenue generated typically supports the museum's operations, educational programs, and preservation efforts. It's important for visitors to recognize that purchasing from a museum shop is a way to support the institution and its mission, rather than a transaction solely for personal gain. As such, the expectation for price negotiations, common in retail environments, may not align with the ethos and funding structure of museum shops.

A gift shop in Kensington Market. I bought coffee cups here a few times. It is suitable for a weekend shopping, but the things are a bit expensive.

excellent spot for local focused gifts, jewelry (modern, high end and affordable), good selection of books and reading material. They have an awesome selection of kids focused products - all kinds of markets, colouring books, paints, art history, etc. their prices are high but worth it, all purchases go directly to supporting the arts and culture. i especially love their rotating exhibition merch - cool prints, posters, magnets, mugs, totes and t shirts. great spot for holiday shopping

Had a variety of gifts relating to the art portraits and many small gifts such as jewelry and other small electronic related things like led string lights and mini microphones. Definitely recommend if you plan on purchasing some small art souvenirs!

When I need a gift, I shop at the AGO. Items range from the whimsical to the elegant, artistic to the practical. All the staff are exceptionally approachable and helpful; Dylan, especially, has helped me more than once when I have been at a loss. If you are stressed about holiday shopping, the AGO shop is your salvation.

first weds of month is the best FREE 6-9 pm Hip Hop (current show), Leonard cohen retrospect was a lot more comprehensive but what do i know......

To have a museum of this quality in this big of a city is pathetic. I can say two nice things about AGO: the building is nice and it was easy to buy tickets. In every other way, this museum is an embarrassment that should aspire to be like much better museums in far smaller cities (Detroit, Cleveland) when it grows up. From the first exhibit, which for me was European art, things were bad. Two minutes in and I was already asking my friend why on earth the museum would have ever chosen to light the ivory carvings as they had -- far too dark, unable to see most of the details. I thought maybe medieval and Renaissance was so weak because modern would be so strong, but modern was also an empty husk. Too often, this collection seems to hunt for big names even when all it means is a third-rate painting by a first-rate artist. I spent about an hour here and it could have been less. $30 ticket and they still charge you to check your bag, too. You're better off spending an hour with a coffee looking at an art book in a store.

3.5 Stars. It is very Canada-centric...and for art that kind of sucks. Sure there is a smattering of other art but is poorly represented. I did love the quilt exhibit which was amazing. Confusing layout...if I want to get lost I can go to the Lourve where the art is breathtaking. Would I come back or suggest it to you...NO.

We went yesterday to the AGO to check out their current ongoing event, The Culture, which was a feature on hip-hop music The art gallery is huge There are at least 5 floors There is a bistro to dine at There is a nice little gift shop You can check your coat in if you want to while walking through for a small fee If you're a member, the experience is much cheaper and you get to attend for free for an entire year We checked out floors two and the Culture exhibit Floor two has lots of unique art from various famous Canadian artists The Culture exhibit was a bit underwhelming to say the least I thought there should have been more and there was not much as far as graffiti artistry which I thought there should have been more of given it's big role in hip-hop Overall it was a pleasant visit and we will likely come back again next year given our one year membership we have now

We recently went this weekend to the AGO I haven't been here since elementary school Art gallery is massive Five floors Bistro to dine in Gift shop with lots of variety We went as my husband wanted to check out the ongoing exhibit called The Culture which was all about hip-hop music It was cool but I thought there was not enough We explored the Canadian part of the gallery and I really enjoyed the indigenous artwork I'm no art aficionado but it was certainly something quiet and calming to do for a Sunday afternoon

I used to visit the AGO often as a downtown student, but years passed before I returned. This year, I decided to get a membership. At just $10 more than the $30 single-entry ticket, it's an amazing deal. I've already been three times! It's the perfect winter activity in a cozy indoor space where it's just me, my thoughts, and inspiring art. The usual collection itself is kinda average or worse-than (a friend joked, "Who knew Canada's ultra-rich donated such bad taste.") average, but the exhibits can be excellent. Pacita Abad's vivid colors are a much-needed contrast to the dreary cityscape outside and such a joy to explore. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Yayoi Kusama exhibit.

My friend and I came here during our first trip to Toronto. There was an exhibit on model ships on the bottom floor. The other three floors we went to had mostly Canadian/European Art and modern/contemporary art. The was a special exhibit for Pacita Abad, so we saw a lot of beautiful and vibrant textile art. I would recommend budgeting around 3 hours to spend here if you want to be thorough; it's a pretty big museum! The interior is beautiful and clean, and there are lots of places to sit and rest if you need a break while walking through the galleries.

I stopped by on my last day in Toronto and AGO did not disappoint. Admission cost is relatively on par compared to other cities. The layout is easy to follow and dependent to one's interest. You can navigate the entire gallery or skip a few. Anyhow, upon arrival there was a large group of students nearby who would not stop with their constant very loud chatter, and it was clear that this group was annoying other guests. I flagged this situation to one of the museum attendants, who quickly approached the group, and the student guide acknowledged and apologized on their behalf. This was a small hiccup on my experience but I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits and diversity of artists. Overall pleasant experience and I do recommend for visitors.

What's not to love about the AGO? They mount some great art exhibits. Most recently, I saw KAWS, Keith Haring, Bright Signs and Pacita Abad. Wonderful exhibits and even better - you can get an Annual Pass for $40. Just go if you love art!

Stunning architecture and the largest exhibit I've seen of the Group of Seven, which makes sense since they started out of Toronto. The highlight here is the architecture, the use of wood and natural light and the most stunning staircase. The exhibits here are also amazing - I was really happy to see they would be hosting The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art - which started at the Baltimore Museum of Art - in Fall of 2024. When I went Kaws was the big attraction, and for me I would prefer to see Koons but it was fun to see so many pieces of his work. There was also "Moments in Modernism" - which was an interesting collection, one Rothco, a few other notable artists, singular pieces from Warhol as well. My favorite part was exploring the permanent exhibits, seeing the Group of Seven. What I thought was interesting was the way they don't denote the art title or composition or date in some of the rooms - the reason being it's seen like you would if the piece was in a home. A must visit for those who love art and especially visitors as it's a great way to see Canada's Group of Seven. Also easy to access via the yellow line on the subway and among the other touristy things in Toronto.

Small collection of art. I was a little upset that this was not more extensive and poorly laid out. A lot of paintings were missing with the labels still attached to the wall. I just felt very underwhelmed

This is a humongous gallery with 3 floors of multiple exhibits. You need about 3 visits to cover everything. It has more of a museum feel to it. I love all of the volunteers and they have a segment called "Art chat" during scheduled times during the day. I would recommend that they power wash and modernize the entrance. It is giving 1980s University. Also invest in some art lapel pins reflecting the present exhibits. Also, the shop is huge with a large selection

We stopped here on a whim as we saw the signs for the Kaws exhibit. The exhibit was amazing and fun to look at, especially with the pop culture references. Other than Kaws, we also really liked the artwork of First Nations, indigenous, and Canadian artists on the first and second floors. There's so much to explore here, and the collection is truly beautiful and impressive. I personally think the fourth and fifth floors were skippable unless you really like contemporary art and need to see that Rothko painting.

Best place to look at art, and look at the exhibits. Great to bring family and go with friends who also have an interest in art. The gallery always updates and changes the exhibits, attracting us to come back and explore a variety of art.

Bistro in AGO food and drinks excellent. Had th mussels and frites and ube panacotta, yum.

Cost of admission was $30 for an adult single day (no annual pass). We just walked over here so I can't tell you about the parking situation. They do offer complimentary coat/bag check, meaning you can't bring in backpacks and souvenir bags. I believe there are 5 floors total but we could only see 4 of them. The Keith Haring exhibit cost extra (We went last month). We received a map but I just wandered around and made sure I saw everything. Don't forget to visit the first floor with all of the ship models. The KAWS exhibit was one of my favorite ones. I recommend taking your time looking at Canadian art, European, Modern, Contemporary, Arts of Global Africa, Prints and drawings, and rare books. There is a cafe on the main floor (second) towards the back. For floors 4 and 5, you'll need to take an elevator. You can't get up there by stairs. Stop by the gift shop for some unique souvenirs.

A great spot for art lovers/people who can appreciate art - they have paintings and art pieces made from many different types of materials. You could honestly spend a couple hours here - great date spot, place to explore with friends/family. I went in to check out their KAWS family exhibit which was very enjoyable. The KAWS family exhibit has a bunch of fun, colourful, and vibrant pieces which makes me understand why it's so popular around the world.

Dropped by AGO today as my only museum visit on my first trip to Toronto. Enjoyed the KAWS exhibit most (as it seems most people did), which not only had some fabulous pieces, but my first experience with a virtual artwork, which was pretty cool. You download an app to your phone and look at a certain area to see a floating 3D figure. Kind of like Pokémon GO, but better. Of the other exhibits, I tended to be more intrigued by the classic European artists. They do have some works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Holbein, and Pissaro. And they have an amazing wooden staircase that rises up, swirling from the second floor. $30 is a little pricey, but they set it up so that you get a membership for $5 more. Clearly targeted at the locals.

Gayle and I recently visited the AGO and specifically to see and admire the following exhibit: Casatt-McNicoll: Impressionists Between Worlds. It was a very impressive exhibit and learning experience. Unfortunately, we arrived about an hour before closing time, as we had already enjoyed a busy day in Toronto. That means that we only scratched the surface of the other exhibits withing this impressive art collection. That explains this review of 4 Stars, rather than 5. The naturally lit upper floor interior front was impressive as we hurried through post-Casatt offerings as were the sculpture area (with a few Rodins) and of course the split level gift shop. If we're ever back in Toronto, we need to give AGO the full attention that it deserves.

Fabulous museum! I came to Toronto just to visit this musuem because KAWS has a exhibit here. It did not disappoint. Also an additional treat was that they also were showing a Keith Haring exhibit!

First time having brunch at AGO for their Christmas special Headed to the AGO Bistro for their Bistro Brunch Prix Fixe at $33/person! You get an appetizer, a Main & either coffee/tea We got the fruit parfait to start, I had their brewed coffee from Pilot Coffee Roasters For the mains, we decided to choose a sweet & savoury dish Cinnamon Toast Pancakes - comes with whipped butter, cinnamon sugar, roasted apples & butter tart sauce AGO Burger - the beef patty was juicy but the fries could be crunchier. We got to sit by the window so it was nice to enjoy our brunch with a view!

There's so much to see at the AGO! I spent a whole afternoon there and could have stayed even longer if I hadn't had to catch a flight. My only criticism is that it's a little hard to navigate. I wandered a lot and it took me a while to find the things I was specifically seeking out, but I have no doubt there are things I missed because I often felt like I couldn't make sense of where I was. The coffee shop at the back of level one is a really nice place to pause. Their espresso is really good!

I will admit, I'm not a huge museum person when it comes to traveling but I will say that a visit to the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) was definitely worth it! For those who are fans of Yayoi Kusama's art or for those who enjoy different styles of art, AGO definitely has a bit of something for everyone. Helpful/Interesting things to note: For the tourist: If you're like me, visiting Toronto for the first time and have a flexible schedule, I encourage you checking out the AGO for FREE on Wednesday evenings (6-9pm). How? Just simply remember to grab a ticket on Monday of the week you're planning to visit AGO through their website! No fees, limit is 4 tickets/person and all you need is just a barcode (paper or phone) to get in. Coat Check: It gets pretty warm in the AGO, so definitely worthwhile to check your coat and big bags to avoid knocking / touching the art pieces. Time: Allow yourself at least 1.5hrs to explore the various exhibits. There are multiple floors and there is a wait/reservation required for the Kusuma Infinity Mirrors exhibit. If you opt to do this, make sure to sign up for a time! Architecture: If you're a fan of seeing interesting architecture, make sure to check out spiraling staircase (best viewed if you're standing across from it) and the ceilings for the wooden structure. AGO was definitely a highlight for me when it came to doing touristy activities in Toronto :)

The best thing about the AGO is that it's free for ages 25 and younger! Unfortunately it is not cheap for memberships for ages 26+, and I probably wouldn't visit if it were paid. There are some good exhibits, my favourite one has to be the model ships downstairs. I'm not a huge art fan but they do have temporarily exhibits such as KAWs. Overall it's a clean art gallery, well organized with coat check (free for prohibited items like bags). I recommend you buy tickets online to avoid the lineup. There is a gift shop and a Bistro inside. I wish it had longer hours on weekdays.

I went with my aunt and my mother for the Making Her Mark exhibition which focused on women artists in Europe between the 1400's and 1800's. It was a beautiful exhibition, and showcased many talented artists such as Elisabeth Vigee LeBrun. Would 100% go see this exhibit again.

Finally, back for another visit and this time for free on Wednesday evening between 6-9 pm. Be sure to book your free ticket (up to four tickets) on the Monday prior to visiting on the AGO website. The AGO doesn't have parking, but there are plenty of Green P lots nearby and it gets cheaper after 6 pm.  The one part of the gallery that I had to see was Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room. It's located beside Galleria Italia on level two. There's a tablet by the exhibition for reserving a time slot. I immediately received a text and an email with my reservation. Since our reservation wasn't for a while, we wandered around. I liked that I got a reminder text five minutes prior to my time slot. We got in line after an attendant checked us off on their tablet. When we got closer, another attendant sectioned us off into smaller groups of three or four when actually going inside the artwork. We also had to leave any purses and bags outside in a cubby. The attendant has a stopwatch, and you're allowed one minute inside. When she knocks on the door, that's your cue that you've only got a few seconds left. I'm happy that I got to view the Infinity Mirrored Room even though I missed out on the Infinity Mirrors a few years ago.

AGO always has something interesting. I love the different galleries and how things are always rotating. One time hubby & I got to the AGO & I realized I was hungry. We got breakfast at the cafe on the ground floor near the gift shop. It was expensive but good. Our server seemed to have some kind of physical disability as his hand shook a lot & he spilled hubby's coffee a little. We didn't mind as he was very nice & we liked that the AGO cafe still employed him. I know some places might not hire a person like that as a server. The cafe was accessible too, as they had a ramp that could service someone in a wheelchair, or someone who has a hard time with stairs. The AGO is multiple levels. It was confusing to navigate for me at times. There are so many little nooks & crannies to this gallery. So many sections. There are elevators to the different levels. The washrooms are on multiple levels too. The signs for the washrooms also confused me! LOL. They aren't your standard men or women washrooms. I think the gallery is attempting to be more inclusive of the 2SLGBTQ+ people. So the washroom signs have a urinal icon or a toilet icon. In any case, the different displays at the art gallery are interesting. There was one which was created by the lead singer of Sigur Ros, that I loved. It was recreating the experience of being in a volcano. So innovative & interesting!

AGO is a known museum to many tourists. This place has lots to see and definitely worth the visit. B and I came here on a Wednesday night. Admission is free on a Wednesday evening. The gallery has multiple floors. There is something for everyone. You will find different paintings and artifacts from different eras and different countries. The collection is so huge. B and I spent like 2 hours here. The architecture of the museum was beautiful as well. I highly recommend visiting this place.

I love museums, and I love the AGO! We have a membership, which offers complimentary coat check and 10% off purchases in the gift shop. I love their rotating exhibits, which keep you engaged. They are big on social commentary and exposing how different people live (e.g., visible minorities, different religious groups, etc.) The exhibits let you pause and think about how the world operates and what changes should be implemented. Also, they have beautiful art, such as paintings, sculptures, etc. You can easily wander around for 3-4 hours and not see it all. The museum itself is gorgeous and a sight to see in itself. Come immerse yourself in beauty at the AGO!

Full disclosure I have actually seen very little of the actual museum. This review is for the kids centre in the basement. For $25 (a yearly membership) you can visit the kids activity centre most days of the week. It is filled with art supplies, books, toys, and activities catered to the season or exhibits. My two year old loves coming here. As do I. It's a calm and easy environment to let her explore in for a few hours especially on days where the weather isn't so great. After playing for a while we tend to wander over to the ship exhibit viewable from the couches around the corner and have a snack. I am so incredibly grateful the museum has such a wonderful place to bring kids. I hope as she gets older I can start introducing her to the museum itself and create a love for art.

The AGO is a great place to spend a day or half-day in Toronto if you like art. It's a huge space with many galleries, and even with a map I let myself get lost a little bit. There's everything here ranging from Indigenous art, to European classes and modern Canadian pieces. There is a lot of natural light and places to sit, and I loved moving from gallery to gallery while also stopping to rest and read my map. Even though I was there on a packed weekend day, there's enough space that I never felt crowded in a gallery. There's a large gift shop with neat local gifts and items like custom AGO tea you can take home. There are also two places to eat, a bistro and an espresso bar. I was a little disappointed there wasn't a cafe however. The espresso bar is located on an upper level with incredible floor to ceiling windows, but only serves beverages. The bistro was a full sit down restaurant, and had a line of people waiting for a table. I was visiting solo and waiting for a table wasn't appealing, so I left the gallery when I my hunger got the best of me. I would definitely return on another visit to Toronto, but if want something quick to eat I'd recommend grabbing a bit before coming to the AGO.

One of the most well done art museums! Beautiful interior everywhere you go, nicely lit, love the woodworking. Really enjoyed the group of seven items they had and emphasis on Canadian art. I thought their indigenous art section was really well curated and tastefully presented. Spent hours here and didn't feel tired, definitely recommend.

Writing my review for my visit during July 2019 and November 2022. During the peak of pandemic, the AGO was providing free admission for essential service workers and free membership. I was fortunate to be a recipient of it, but my visit was paid because my companion did not know I qualified for free admission (oops). At the time, the location has a very nice live video aboriginal tribute among other real nice exhibits. Everything is so organized and clean and it's easy to tow a kid along. In the lower floor there are some fun art areas for kids. I really had no complaints and the architect is very pleasant on the visit. During my 2022 visit, I briefly stopped in for the Weston family free event. On arrival there are employees ready to direct patrons, there's a self help scan membership paid for over age 25 and free for under age 25. The location also has free internet, clean washrooms. It was just a nice way to retreat from the cold. It's very easy to get to the AGO, there's paid parking outside and there's a subway stop not too far(which I took from Union). If you're a member, definitely stop by the Bistro located right through the art gallery, it's a relaxing place and members do get discounted food.

Oh AGO, where I first touched a henry moore and gazed at painted canadian landscapes by the group of seven. I still enjoy these permanent collections, and the exhibits do not disappoint. The last prepandemic exhibit I saw was Anthropocene, an indelible collections of images from around the planet showcasing the scale of human development and destruction. Currently the main exhibit is Picasso's blue period. The exhibit stories his personal and professional influences as a young adult. The tickets are timed however it was pretty crowded inside on the weekend. At the entrance you can go on the museum free wifi and download the sound commentary via browser or soundcloud. Bring headphones. The other main exhibit is Aabaakwad, featuring indigenous artists. There are some incredible cultural artworks by inuit, anishinaabe, polynesians, etc. as well as pieces that expose colonialism, past and present. The exhibits are powerful, thought provoking, and beautiful. AGO is a world class gallery. The building is beautiful and centrally accessed by transit in the downtown core at the edge of chinatown. The backyard has playgrounds for the kids and they organize art camps during break. Wednesday evenings are free, if you can get in. They have a cafe and classy restaurant. Reservations recommended. Staff and volunteers are often courteous and professional. They don't allow backpacks carried on the back, as they don't want visitors to knock anything over, be prepared to hold it any other way. Currently they screen for covid at the door and you are required to show your vaccine passport before they let anyone in. The website said tickets are only available online, but many visitors purchased onsite. Before you go, save some time to browse the gift shop for some take home art.

If you're into galleries, this is a great place to visit in Toronto. There's a large variety of art pieces and sometimes they run special exhibits such as the Andy Warhol exhibit. Even during regular days, there's still a wide variety of art pieces that are interesting to look at. If you're under 25, it's also a great opportunity to take advantage of their free annual pass! The process is fairly simple and quite straightforward to sign up. In general, I highly recommend booking tickets online in advanced as it speeds up your progress to get inside.

Came here on a Weds night (free after 6pm but do make sure to reserve online, as tix are limited). I was most excited for the Yayoi Kusama exhibit, and that also requires an additional reservation upon arrival. They allow up to 4 people and 60 sec in the exhibit, and it's fascinating. There are mirrors and silver balls everywhere, so you see yourself and your companions reflected in a bazillion different ways. We browsed the rest of the gallery too - another highlight was the serpentine staircase in the back. Recommend going all the way up and then browsing floor by floor, descending.

terrible howling "music " was annoying otherwise enjoyable , also kind of expensive.

What a stunning place this is! High ceilings, wide open spaces, gorgeous curving stairs (yes, it's a good workout)...the building architecture itself is a work of art. Whether you're into ship models, classical European art, modern art, or just interesting relics from the past, there's something here for everyone. Personally, I am not the biggest admirer of contemporary visual art or photography, but was still highly pleased by my visit. Strolling through casually will take you at least 2-3 hours; if you're dedicated to reading all the explanations and learning all the details, you could spend the whole day here. Various seating is scattered throughout the gallery for visitors to rest if needed. Washrooms are clean, and water fountains are available. The only minor criticism I have is that the online maps (no physical maps) are next to illegible on my phone, so if you like to refer to a guide as you tour around, you're out of luck. Fortunately I had a friend with me who is good with directions. :P Definitely a must-visit in Toronto, and if you're under 25, please make sure you come as soon as possible and don't miss the chance to visit for free like I did!

A great place to visit, whether you are native to Toronto or just on a visit. The architecture itself is something to see, plus the art is very enjoyable. They even have a permanently-installed Yayoi Kusama infinity room now! A great way to spend an afternoon.

Great museum. Huge is the only problem. It would take probably 5-6 hours to do it justice. There is every genre available from modern (Andy Warhol), to Italian masters (Tintoretto), To amazing carvings and sculptures. Need a whole day to see it.

The AGO's architecture is stunning. The gallery isn't large. On my last visit, things had been rearranged -- I miss the large room of modern art that used to be there. The AGO's curation is good; they had a good exhibit of contemporary art. The highlights of my visit included the room of Henry Moore sculptures as well as the canoe side that you can walk alongside.

If you're 25 or younger, don't miss out on your free annual pass to this amazing gallery. My group, having visited a majority of "big city" art museums across the U.S., was refreshed by this collection. I was surprised at the quantity of Henry Moore pieces. We appreciated the building itself was a piece of art, and designed to create a sense of bright warmth with the light wood and plenty of natural light. Compared to other galleries, I felt AGO took additional care to give context or explain pieces; I agree the art is subjective, but it loses meaning without understanding where/when/how it was made. My group arrived early to get timed tickets for Yayoi Kusama's Infinity experience. Tip: we actually put in our names to get entry, but then went for lunch and returned so that we wouldn't be waiting for hours at the museum. There was still a line for folks who had timed entry at the same time as us, so we realized it wouldn't have hurt to arrive a bit earlier than our slated time. You'll have 60 seconds in the room, from entry to exit, so plan for that if you intend to take pictures. The room accommodates 4 people, so if you are a group of 2, you will likely be asked to pair with another group of 2.

Came by to visit the AGO on a Friday night as they are open to 9pm. It's such a beautiful museum. Amazing architecture and great art on display. Really enjoyed visiting the museum and grateful they are open late on Friday's. Definitely a must!

Beautiful museum & well worth a visit. While my boyfriend & I perused a few of the exhibits (the paintings by indigenous artists struck a particularly deep chord), we were there to see the Warhol exhibit & we were NOT disappointed. The exhibit, organized by Tate Modern, London, in collaboration with Museum Ludwig, Cologne, and the Art Gallery of Ontario, features loans from museums and private collections in Europe and North America & spans Warhols full 4 decade career. Amazing to get a close view of works I had only seen in books & television & to learn so much about the artist, his life, demons, sexuality & everything in between. Highly recommend if you're visiting Toronto.

Karoo Ashevak died far too young. His sculptural output was not extensive but artists like him have made my appreciation of Inuit art very deep. While some may see only simple funny or grotesque faces, I see repeated dives into the vast human psyche. Ashevak exemplifies the best of this cultural art form that employs the use of animal bone, sinew, and stone. This small exhibition in a small dark gallery was the only reason for my visit. I remain discouraged that Inuit art at the AGO no longer has the pride of place that it did before the museum was overhauled. The work of Mr. Ashevak and others deserves better.

We visit a couple times a year and there's always different exhibits and events going on! The architecture itself is beautiful as are the pieces within - I like how almost every artwork has some background/context to read and interpret. If you're looking to visit during covid times be sure to book a reservation ahead of time!

I had an absolutely fantastic time at the AGO a couple weeks ago. I'd been wanting to visit, and with the Kusama Infinity Room here, how could I not make this a destination on my recent trip to Toronto? AGO is a large museum, with a wide variety of art on display. I personally enjoyed and spent the majority of my time in the indigenous art section of Canadian art. I love Inuit art and other art by First Nations artists. I think it has to do with the inextricable connection to nature that lures me in. I was enthralled with the Karoo Ashevak exhibit, and I would have loved to have seen more. Of course, there were other interesting exhibits too - including the Ethiopian Church artworks. I love seeing other cultures' artistic works, both historical and modern, on display. Getting to the AGO was fairly easy. Public transportation brings you withing 5-8 minutes walk from the entrance. I loved the character of the neighborhood as well, with older dwellings mixed in with modern buildings. I walked back to my hotel from here via Dundas street and was able to scope out the Asian food scene (bubble tea included) along the way. Back to the gallery - Make sure you sign up for a time slot to see the infinity room. It's worth the one minute you get to spend in there. I took a picture in this room and felt affirmed for some strange reason looking at myself in infinity. It's totally cool. Also, they have a great gift shop that I highly recommend checking out. I scored some amazing Inuit art postcards. I should have brought more money with me to buy Christmas gifts... I highly recommend this art gallery. It's one of the better ones I've been to in a long time!

Much of the gallery was closed this evening for a private event, so the $25 admission only allowed access to the "Impressionism in the Age of Industry" exhibit. It was a lovely exhibit with a superb collection of not only the AGO's art but art on lend from other museums. A nice collection of stuff and I enjoyed this exhibit thoroughly. That said, if you're only going to open the Gallery in a limited way, how about a similar limited admission? So I can't really evaluate the rest of the museum, but what was here was nicely spaced, beautifully laid out, many detailed captions, plentiful seating, free wifi and almost unlimited access to get nose-close to the art work to see Van Gogh's brushstrokes and Seurat's points. Tissot, Pissarro, Luce, Monet, evan an Edgar Degas sculpture. There is a special gift shop for the Impressionists that focuses on the works here. I purchased a print that I'm going to have to work out how to bring home. The regular gift shop for the AGO is unusually large. Impressively so. I've been to some museums that have almost nothing, but it was lovely to look at the jewelry and books as well as the countless prints and postcards that were available for purchase. [Review 10960 overall, 732 of 2019.]

Truly an addition to your visit to Toronto. You could spend half a day here and still not get to appreciate the beauty that's captured here. I was recommended by a family friend to stop by here and was able to find out that if you are 25 and younger, you can get a annual pass for free! The staff was super helpful and I made some connections here through the locals who gave me some more insight into the art that was stored here! Definitely a staple of the Toronto area.