The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has confirmed the opening date for its major new expansion in Toronto. The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will welcome visitors on 25 September 2027.
The five-storey building will add 40,000 square feet of exhibition space to the museum. It will also display nearly 400 works by Indigenous, Canadian and international artists.
The C$100 million project marks an important step for one of North America’s largest art museums.
A major expansion for the AGO
The new gallery will increase the AGO’s exhibition space by around 30%. Its large rooms will give artists more space to present paintings, sculptures, photography and installations.
Some galleries will feature ceilings up to 23 feet high. This will allow the museum to display larger works and create new exhibition experiences.
The building will overlook Grange Park in downtown Toronto. It will also connect with the museum’s existing building, which includes the well-known design by architect Frank Gehry.
Dani Reiss leads major financial support
The project began in 2022 with a C$35 million donation from Dani Reiss. He is the chairman and chief executive of Canada Goose, as well as an art collector.
The expansion is now fully funded. Support from private donors and both the federal and Ontario governments has helped secure the project.
The new gallery will also have funding to support its future running costs. This will help the AGO maintain the space and its exhibitions over time.
Three architecture firms shape the new building
The design brings together three architecture practices: Diamond Schmitt, Selldorf Architects and Two Row Architect.
Each firm brings experience in cultural and public buildings. Their collaboration aims to create a space that is welcoming, flexible and accessible.
The project also places a strong focus on sustainability. The building is designed to operate without burning fossil fuels.
It has received Zero Carbon Building Design certification. According to the AGO, it is the first Canadian cultural institution of its size to receive this recognition.
A growing collection of modern and contemporary art
The AGO’s collection has grown by around 18,000 works over the past decade. This growth has increased the need for more exhibition space.
The new gallery will help the museum show more of its modern and contemporary collection. Visitors can expect works by Indigenous, Canadian and international artists.
The collection includes names such as Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko and Jeff Wall.
The AGO also holds the largest public collection of Henry Moore’s work outside the United Kingdom.
A new chapter for Toronto’s art scene
The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery is the AGO’s seventh major expansion since the museum opened in 1900.
Its arrival will give Toronto more space for exhibitions and cultural events. It will also help the museum present its collection to a wider international audience.
The opening is set for 25 September 2027. The AGO plans to announce further details about the launch programme in spring 2027.
For Toronto’s art community, the new gallery represents more than extra exhibition space. It offers a chance to discover new artists, explore different perspectives and experience contemporary art in fresh ways.