Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Toronto (must see)

Toronto boasts an impressive architectural marvel known as the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), which houses the largest collection of Canadian art in the world. Spanning a vast 45,000 square meters (480,000 square feet), this museum complex ranks among North America's largest art venues.

Originally established in 1900 as the Art Museum of Toronto by a group of private citizens and members of the Toronto Society of Arts, it later acquired its first home, the historic Georgian manor known as The Grange, in 1911. In 1966, the institution adopted its present name, the Art Gallery of Ontario. Throughout its history, the museum has undergone several expansions to its north and west, with the most recent ones occurring in the early 2000s and 2010s.

AGO's permanent collection boasts an impressive total of over 120,000 items. These exhibits showcase various artistic movements and eras, organized into distinct "collection areas" dedicated to specific art forms, artists, benefactors, chronological periods, or geographic locales. On the second floor, visitors can explore an extensive collection of Canadian art, including works by First Nations and Inuit artists.

Additionally, throughout the museum's halls, over 80,000 European art pieces dating from 1000 CE to 1900 CE are on display. Noteworthy European artworks include those by renowned artists such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Edgar Degas, Thomas Gainsborough, Paul Gauguin, Claude Monet, Rembrandt, Auguste Rodin, and James Tissot. Paintings and sculptures adorn the ground floor, while the museum's concourse features a captivating collection of mostly British ship models.

Enthusiasts of modern and contemporary art will also find satisfaction in the works of Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, and Jenny Holzer. The gallery's remarkable collection of modern sculptures, including the groundbreaking creations of Henry Moore, is equally awe-inspiring with its semi-abstract designs.

The AGO's architecture alone is a sight to behold, but combined with the wealth of artwork contained within, it guarantees an immensely enjoyable experience. Before leaving, visitors can also browse the museum's shop and discover an array of fun and intriguing items on offer.

Tip:
The museum policy allows for exiting and re-entering on your ticket within the day.