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 out of 5![]()
A friend and I visited using the free youth tickets, which were really nice and a great way to get youth interested in art, and we had such a phenomenal experience!
The entire place was clean, well organized, and the architecture was a piece of art itself. It was also nice and quiet, and there were lots of cool interactive exhibitions that weren't just paintings
I would honestly recommend just coming for the art gallery, we even bought a few cute souvenirs to bring home. Staff were especially kind and polite, and checking out the basement with all the ships is a MUST
Coal L - a month ago
The AGO was beyond my expectations! From the minute you walk in, the stunning architecture sets the tone—the airy galleries, flowing wooden staircases, and the beautiful Galleria Italia make the entire space feel like a work of art.
The collection itself is exceptional. Seeing masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Rubens, Tintoretto and many others up close was an absolute highlight. Alongside these iconic works, the AGO features a rich mix of Canadian art, as well as modern and contemporary exhibits that make you pause and really absorb the creativity.
The gallery is easy to navigate, spacious without feeling overwhelming, and the staff are genuinely warm and helpful. Whether you're an art lover or just exploring, the experience is enriching from start to finish. And don’t skip the gift shop—surprising and stylish finds!
A must-visit and truly one of Toronto’s cultural treasures.
Jayeeta Basu - 2 months ago
This was my fourth/fifth visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario, and once again it was an amazing experience. The gallery is beautifully organized and well-maintained, making it easy to enjoy the masterpieces on display. Each visit feels inspiring, and I always discover something new and remarkable. Truly a must-visit for anyone who loves art.
Niloofar - 3 weeks ago
Visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario in downtown Toronto felt less like a museum trip and more like a slow conversation with art and space. The building itself sets the tone before you even step inside, with its clean lines and light-filled corridors that make you want to pause and look around. Once inside, the galleries are thoughtfully arranged, so you never feel rushed or overwhelmed, even during busy hours.
What stood out most was the mix of classic and contemporary works, especially the Canadian and Indigenous collections, which felt meaningful and well curated. The staff were approachable, and the quiet seating areas gave enough room to reflect on what you had just seen. By the time I left, I felt inspired rather than tired, which is exactly how a good gallery visit should feel.
Vishal Shah - a month ago
The Art Gallery of Ontario is absolutely exceptional. From the moment you walk in, the space itself is breathtaking — the architecture alone is worth the visit. The galleries are beautifully curated, with an incredible balance of Canadian, Indigenous, contemporary, and international works that keep you engaged for hours.
Joseph Simard - 2 weeks ago
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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

