A new chapter is underway for the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), where a crane towering over its environs signals that construction for the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery expansion is now underway. This major addition will introduce 40,000 ft² of gallery space across five levels, featuring a design by Selldorf Architects, Diamond Schmitt Architects, and Two Row Architect. This is the AGO’s seventh expansion in its storied history in Downtown Toronto, one that will take it from being Canada's third largest art museum to its largest. The expansion will sit above the AGO’s ground level loading dock outdoor loading area, and the second level Zacks Galleries where the larger temporary exhibition are normally mounted.

Looking northwest to the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery at the Art Gallery of Ontario, rendering by Play-Time, courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect

Looking northeast across Grange Park, the addition will negotiate the space between the AGO's existing building and the adjacent OCAD University's Main Campus on McCaul Street. The addition will be clad in glazed terracotta that appears somewhat muted in comparison to the blue titanium panels of the Frank Gehry-designed tower to the left, and the black-and-white pixelated Will Alsop-designed Sharp Centre at OCAD U to the right.

Looking northeast to the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery at the Art Gallery of Ontario, rendering by Play-Time, courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect

From Dundas Street, the expansion will rise behind the AGO’s Gehry-designed billowing glass, wood, and steel facade. Expected to cost $100 million, Dani Reiss, CEO of Canada Goose and art collector, has given the institution a leading gift of $35 million.

Looking southwest to the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery at the Art Gallery of Ontario, rendering by Play-Time, courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect

Inside, thirteen galleries on five levels will increase the AGO's current 129,000 ft² display space by about 30%. Each level will be unique as the addition both steps back as it rises and nestles into and around the existing structures. Blockbuster type shows normally found in the Zacks Galleries will be able to take advantage of new gallery space beside them in the addition via two new connections, or separate shows will be able to be mounted in the addition's second level via a third connection to the exiting building. On the third through sixth levels of the addition will be a series of galleries dedicated to the AGO's modern and contemporary art collection, only a small portion of is able to be displayed within the confines of the current building. A bridge will connect the sixth floor of the addition to the fifth floor of the Gehry tower to improve circulation on the upper storeys.

Interior view of the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery on sixth floor, rendering courtesy of Art Gallery of Ontario, Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect

Construction began in September, 2024, with a crane in place in October. Seen below looking southwest from McCaul Street this month, steel posts and beams now rise behind the crane and between the red bricks of OCAD University and the white precast and blue titanium of the AGO, marking the early stages of vertical framing for the expansion. These structural elements will allow column-free interior spaces on the upper levels. Once complete, the east elevation will showcase zinc cladding with concealed fasteners on the second floor, transitioning to the glazed terracotta panels on the upper floors. A few windows will punctuate the facade.

Looking southeast to steel posts and beams installed behind OCAD University, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor rdaner

Looking north from Grange Park, the crane is positioned above the brick of the OCAD U buildings while the growing structural framework has made it to the third floor and will soon support the upper-level expansion. Above, a pergola with native plantings will crown two step-backs of the new levels on their south elevation, softening a terrace space meant for seasonal programming. 

Looking north from Grange Park to the crane and worksite, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor rdaner

Including two mechanical penthouse levels above its new galleries, the addition will rise to a final height of 48.35m.

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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