Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the largest art museums in North America

The Art Gallery of Ontario or AGO contains in excess of 80,000 works of art, some from as far back as the year 100 AD.
Originally founded in the year 1900, the Art Gallery of Ontario became somewhat 'disjointed' after numerous expansions and major renovations over many years. Finally in 2008 the gallery reopened after an expansion project, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, that masterfully brought all of the existing spaces together. This expansion increased the space available for viewing art by nearly one-half. The overall facility is an impressive 583,000 square feet.
Canadian art makes up more that half of the gallery's collection. The AGO also features a large collection of European art, with a very significant collection of Medieval and Renaissance decorative arts. The gallery exhibits major works of art by many renowned artists, including Rembrandt van Rijn, Emile Antoine Bourdelle, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Tintoretto, Frans Hals, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Thomas Gainsborough, Auguste Rodin, and Edgar Degas.
Your admission to the gallery includes a 60 minute highlights tour that explores not only the art, but also the architecture of the AGO. This tour runs daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1pm and 3pm and also on Wednesday evening at 7pm.
On Wednesday evenings after 6 pm you can visit the gallery for free! The AGO is baby friendly and fun for the whole family. They also have a restaurant, cafe, bar and Gift shop. For additional information about the AGO see the official site below.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes Free on Wednesday evenings after 6pmArt Gallery of Ontario Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada
Phone: (416) 979-6648
Official Website: Art Gallery of Ontario
Art Gallery of Ontario Reviews
Rated
A great gallery with very unique exhibitions, we went on a weekday so it was not busy at all which was perfect since it allowed us to enjoy all the art with interruption.
We were lucky enough to be there for the Hip-Hop history exhibition before it closed to make way for their next one, it was very nice and had some great pieces.
Their bay is very nice and well lit, very suitable for pictures and photography.
There's also a hallway on the second floor with amazing views of the street and lots of sunlight.
Saif Badr - 2 weeks ago
The AGO has been a welcome place to me, as a kid born downtown to refugees in the 1970’s. Now as an adult (with kids) it’s a refuge of peace and pondering. Not just art but truly the architecture of this place resonates with my personal creativity.
For years I have been grateful to visit for free, then bring my young family via the Toronto Public Library MAP Pass - now I’m so happy to be a member and make this place a more frequent home as I approach retirement.
DO not overlook the affordable Bistro for lunch (as a business owner it’s invaluable) and the shop for creative gifts and practical usable art ( go see what I mean ) on top of the beautiful stuff.
Make time to stop in. Your soul will thank you.
Paul Nazareth - a month ago
The AGO is an impressive museum with some rare collections. The museum has 5 floors, each with different art themes from European, African, Indigenous, Canadian, and Contemporary. The Group of Seven and Tom Thompson art installations have interactive qr codes that show details of each painting. Great place to take your family. The place is walking distance to Chinatown and Eaton Center.
Andrew Carvalho - 2 months ago
The Art Gallery of Ontario is an absolute must-visit in Toronto! The mix of classic and modern art is fantastic—there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into European masterpieces, contemporary works, Indigenous art, or the iconic Group of Seven collection.
But the highlight for me? The ship models in the lower level. I wasn’t expecting to find them, but they completely stole the show. The craftsmanship is incredible, and the level of detail in each model is just mind-blowing. It’s like getting a peek into maritime history, right in the middle of an art gallery!
Beyond that, the AGO itself is stunning—Frank Gehry’s architecture adds to the experience, and the open, airy spaces make it easy to explore at your own pace. The café and gift shop are worth checking out.
Definitely one of the best places in the city to spend a few hours. I’ll be back for sure!
Avi M - 2 months ago
Very much enjoyed my visit. Was very interested in European art and was looking for a piece that spoke to me. I visited the National Portrait Gallery in London last year and found several pieces that touched my soul. I was very happy to have a similar experience at the AGO.
Barb K - a week ago
Directions
TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Yonge-University-Spadina Line | St. Patrick Station | 5 MInutes |
How to get to Art Gallery of Ontario by TTC Subway
No bus needed. Exit the station and walk west along Dundas Street West for 3½ blocks or 5 minutes. The AGO is on your left.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Art Gallery of Ontario :
Photo Gallery
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Back face of the Art Gallery of Ontario cc licensed photo by Ian Muttoo -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daryl_mitchell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Timothy Neesam (GumshoePhotos) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Timothy Neesam (GumshoePhotos) - cc license via Flickr
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